1 B2 idiomatic informal
To move around a place in a relaxed, unhurried way, doing small things without a specific plan.
"We spent the morning pottering around the antique market, picking up a few bargains."
inseparable
potter around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To move around a place in a relaxed and unhurried way, doing small tasks or just exploring.
In plain English
To walk around slowly doing small things without any rush or big plan.
What does "potter around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Almost identical to 'potter about'. British English. The American equivalent is 'putter around'. Often used with a location: 'potter around the house / garden / shops'. Has a peaceful, content tone.
Words that pair with "potter around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house shops garden village kitchen museum
How to conjugate "potter around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
potter around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
potters around
he/she/it
Past simple
pottered around
yesterday
Past participle
pottered around
have + pp
-ing form
pottering around
continuous
Hear "potter around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "potter around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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