mills about
Drifts without purpose
To mill about (or mill around) is to move in a disorganized way within a space, without clear purpose or direction.
The image comes from cattle circling in a pen.
People mill about in lobbies, at parties before things get started, or anywhere a crowd gathers without structure: Guests milled about the reception hall waiting for the bride and groom.
- wandersMoves without fixed course
- loitersRemains idly in place
- congregatesCollects in one place
- restlessUnable to be still
- lingersRemains beyond expected time
waiting area · indecisive · crowds · clusters · paces · huddles · roams · confused · lost in thought · mingles · hangs around · uncertain · aimless · saunters · distracted · ambles · killing time · strolls