1 B2 idiomatic informal
To spend time in a relaxed way doing small or unimportant tasks.
"She spent the afternoon puttering around the kitchen, baking and listening to the radio."
inseparable
putter around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To spend time doing small, casual tasks in a relaxed, unhurried way.
In plain English
To move around and do little jobs slowly and without any rush.
What does "putter around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Standard American English. Suggests pleasant, contented activity. Not a criticism — it implies a relaxed, enjoyable way of spending time. Often followed by a location: 'putter around the house / garden / workshop.'
Words that pair with "putter around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house garden kitchen yard workshop garage
How to conjugate "putter around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
putter around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
putters around
he/she/it
Past simple
puttered around
yesterday
Past participle
puttered around
have + pp
-ing form
puttering around
continuous
Hear "putter around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "putter around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "putter around"
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.