putter around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To move around and do little jobs slowly and without any rush.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To spend time in a relaxed way doing small or unimportant tasks.
"She spent the afternoon puttering around the kitchen, baking and listening to the radio."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Standard American English. Suggests pleasant, contented activity. Not a criticism — it implies a relaxed, enjoyable way of spending time. Often followed by a location: 'putter around the house / garden / workshop.'
Commonly used with
house garden kitchen yard workshop garage
Forms
Base
putter around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
putters around
he/she/it
Past simple
puttered around
yesterday
Past participle
puttered around
have + pp
-ing form
puttering around
continuous
Understand "putter around" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "putter around" on Looplines