putter about
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To move around doing little jobs slowly, without being in a rush or having a big plan.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To move around in a relaxed way, doing small jobs or tasks without urgency.
"On Saturday mornings, my grandfather loved to putter about the garage, fixing little things."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly American English (British equivalent is 'potter about'). Suggests a pleasant, relaxed pace. There is no negative connotation — it implies contentment rather than laziness. Often used with location words: 'putter about the garden / kitchen / house.'
Commonly used with
garden house kitchen garage workshop yard
Forms
Base
putter about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
putters about
he/she/it
Past simple
puttered about
yesterday
Past participle
puttered about
have + pp
-ing form
puttering about
continuous
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Synonyms
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