1 B2 idiomatic informal
To spend time in a leisurely, unhurried way doing small tasks or moving around without a definite purpose.
"I spent the afternoon just pottering about in the garden, enjoying the sunshine."
inseparable
potter about
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To spend time in a relaxed way doing small, undemanding tasks without any clear plan or urgency.
In plain English
To spend time at home or in a small area doing little jobs without rushing or planning.
What does "potter about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Distinctly British informal English. Describes a pleasantly aimless way of spending time, often at home or in the garden. Has a warm, contented connotation — the person is not bored but happily occupied with small tasks. The American equivalent would be 'putter around'.
Words that pair with "potter about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
garden house kitchen shed afternoon weekend
How to conjugate "potter about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
potter about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
potters about
he/she/it
Past simple
pottered about
yesterday
Past participle
pottered about
have + pp
-ing form
pottering about
continuous
Hear "potter about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "potter about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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