mill about
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To walk around without any real purpose, especially with a lot of other people.
Literal meaning: Like grain moving round and round in a mill — circular, aimless motion.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To move around a place without purpose or direction, especially in a group.
"Hundreds of fans were milling about outside the stadium waiting for the gates to open."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To be present in a place in a disorganised or restless way while waiting for something.
"The delegates milled about in the lobby during the lunch break, unsure what to do with themselves."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Describes group behaviour more than individual movement. The image is of grain being ground in a mill — circular, repetitive motion. Mostly British English; American speakers prefer 'mill around'.
Commonly used with
crowd people tourists fans guests protesters
Forms
Base
mill about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
mills about
he/she/it
Past simple
milled about
yesterday
Past participle
milled about
have + pp
-ing form
milling about
continuous
Understand "mill about" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "mill about" on Looplines