1 B2 idiomatic informal
To move around in a relaxed way, doing small jobs or tasks without urgency.
"On Saturday mornings, my grandfather loved to putter about the garage, fixing little things."
inseparable
putter about
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To spend time doing small, unimportant tasks in a leisurely and unhurried way.
In plain English
To move around doing little jobs slowly, without being in a rush or having a big plan.
What does "putter about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Chiefly American English (British equivalent is 'potter about'). Suggests a pleasant, relaxed pace. There is no negative connotation — it implies contentment rather than laziness. Often used with location words: 'putter about the garden / kitchen / house.'
Words that pair with "putter about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
garden house kitchen garage workshop yard
How to conjugate "putter about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
putter about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
putters about
he/she/it
Past simple
puttered about
yesterday
Past participle
puttered about
have + pp
-ing form
puttering about
continuous
Hear "putter about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "putter about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "putter about"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.