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."
inseparable
mill about
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move around in a disorganised, aimless way, typically as part of a crowd.
In plain English
To walk around without any real purpose, especially with a lot of other people.
What does "mill about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like grain moving round and round in a mill — circular, aimless motion.
Actually means
To walk around without any real purpose, especially with a lot of other people.
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "mill about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
crowd people tourists fans guests protesters
How to conjugate "mill about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "mill about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "mill about"
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