verb
potter
PAH-ter/ˈpɑːtər/
To move about or do small tasks in a casual, unhurried way.
On quiet mornings, I potter around the garden without any hurry.
Etymology
Potter apparently combines a verb meaning “push” or “poke” with a repeated-action ending. Its earlier meaning, “poke again and again,” developed into keeping casually busy with small tasks.
More examples
- She potters around the kitchen while the coffee brews.
- We spent Sunday pottering around the house.
- He pottered in the garage, sorting screws and wiping tools.
Forms
potter · potters · pottered · pottering