1 C1 idiomatic informal
To travel or move slowly and without urgency, often in a vehicle, enjoying the journey.
"We spent Sunday pootling along country lanes in the old campervan."
inseparable
pootle along
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To move or travel at a slow, unhurried, and contented pace.
In plain English
To go somewhere slowly without hurrying, and feeling perfectly happy about it.
What does "pootle along" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To go about one's daily activities in a slow, unhurried, and contented way.
"He was happy to pootle along without any great ambition or urgency."
inseparable
Usage tip
Distinctly British informal English, rarely used in American English. Often describes driving or cycling at a leisurely pace. Has a warm, slightly humorous tone. Suggests the speaker is relaxed and not in a hurry.
Words that pair with "pootle along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
countryside village road canal lane afternoon
How to conjugate "pootle along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pootle along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pootles along
he/she/it
Past simple
pootled along
yesterday
Past participle
pootled along
have + pp
-ing form
pootling along
continuous
Hear "pootle along" in the wild
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