Definition & Meaning of "drift"

to veer off or deviate from an intended path, course, or set parameters

to accumulate or be piled into heaps due to the action of the wind or a current

to guide or lead livestock at a slow pace, typically to allow them to graze

to cause an object or substance to be carried along by the natural movement of air, water, or another current

to move through life or a period of time without a clear direction or purpose

to move between situations or roles without a specific plan or goal, often without long-term commitment

the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)

a horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine

the pervading meaning or tenor

a general tendency to change (as of opinion)

a large mass of material that is heaped up by the wind or by water currents

a process of linguistic change over a period of time