1 A2 neutral
To change physical position, moving from place to place within an area.
"The physiotherapist said it was important to move around every hour to keep the blood circulating."
move around
A2 neutral transitive/intransitive
To change position or location, either physically within a space or by relocating frequently.
In plain English
Go to different places or change where you are, either in a small space or in life generally.
What does "move around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To frequently change where you live or work.
"She moved around a lot in her twenties, living in four different countries before settling in Canada."
3 A2 neutral
To reposition or rearrange objects.
"We moved the furniture around until the room felt more spacious."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go around in various directions — largely transparent.
Actually means
Go to different places or change where you are, either in a small space or in life generally.
Usage tip
Very versatile and common. Used for physical movement in a space, for relocating homes or jobs, and for rearranging objects. The phrase 'move around a lot' is very natural when describing a nomadic lifestyle.
Words that pair with "move around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lot freely house country furniture workplace
How to conjugate "move around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
move around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
moves around
he/she/it
Past simple
moved around
yesterday
Past participle
moved around
have + pp
-ing form
moving around
continuous
Hear "move around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "move around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.