a walkabout

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   An informal occasion when a famous or important person walks among a crowd, shaking hands and talking to people.

   Grammar: Usually used with 'go on' or 'do': The queen went on a walkabout. It is not used without 'a'.

   Patterns

   • go on a walkabout
   • do a walkabout

   The royal couple went on a walkabout in the town center, greeting well-wishers.

   After the concert, the singer did a walkabout, signing autographs for fans.

   The president's walkabout was cut short by heavy rain.

2. 2nouncountableAustralian

   In Australian English, a period when an Aboriginal person leaves home to live in the bush for a time, often as part of a traditional journey.

   Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'go walkabout' without 'a': He went walkabout. It can also be used figuratively for someone who disappears.

   Patterns

   • go walkabout
   • be on a walkabout

   The young man went walkabout for several months to learn about his heritage.

   In some communities, a walkabout is a rite of passage.

   He's gone walkabout again; nobody knows where he is.

Word forms

Common combinations

go on a walkabout

The mayor went on a walkabout to meet local shopkeepers.

do a walkabout

The celebrity did a quick walkabout before the show.

go walkabout

After the argument, he went walkabout for a few days.

royal walkabout

Thousands lined the streets for the royal walkabout.

Synonyms and how they differ

stroll

A stroll is simply a leisurely walk; a walkabout specifically involves meeting people, often for a public figure.

promenade

A promenade is a formal walk in a public place, often for display; a walkabout is more informal and interactive.

Commonly confused: a walkabout or walk?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “a walkabout”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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