We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Miscellaneous

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Woolgathering?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,030
Share

When someone appears lost in his or her own thoughts or engages in a daydream, this is known as woolgathering. Woolgathering is indulged in by people all over the world, in situations ranging from dull offices to crowded commuter trains. While woolgathering can be an excellent way to relax, it is unfortunately necessary for most people to return to the real world at some point.

The term comes from the practice of gathering small scraps of wool left behind on bushes and shrubs by sheep. People could occupy themselves with woolgathering when they were bored or evading other work, and it probably provided ample opportunities for pondering and day dreaming. Some members of the lower classes engaged in gathering wool more seriously, in the hopes of collecting enough to sell or spin into yarn which could be used to make a garment. In the end, the net harvest of a wool gathering expedition could be rather small and unproductive, as combing and carding the wool might be more work than it was worth.

People have been using “woolgathering” to refer to daydreaming since the mid-1500s, when sheep were a pervasive part of life for many people. In its original use, it implied a sense of wandering aimlessly and without any real purpose, and suggested that the woolgatherer could perhaps be better occupied with something more productive.

While daydreaming can be unproductive, it can also be turned to good use. Some writers like to woolgather before they start work, for example, by collecting various ideas and clearing their heads for the work they intend to do. Allowing your thoughts to wander can be beneficial for your subconscious, which will take advantage of your lapsed attention to rise to the surface. Woolgathering might net a name you can't remember, or the inspiration for a brilliant idea.

If you plan on a little woolgathering, it can help to plan ahead if you plan to do it in the presence of other people. No matter how boring people on committees and in classrooms can be, they generally get offended when people noticeably daydream. You may want to consider sitting near the rear of the room to avoid notice, and holding a pen or pencil can be useful, as it suggests that you are paying attention to the proceedings and preparing to take notes. On public trains and other public locations, make sure that possessions are secured before you start daydreaming, as a thief might see your lack of attentiveness as a golden opportunity.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon38193 — On Jul 24, 2009

Thank you for defining this wonderful term. I have always done my best work after a brief episode of daydreaming, Woolgathering,(to use this term), together with doodling, have brought me many wonderful inspirations, and accomplishments in some of my landscapes, plus some of my doodles turn out to be some wonderful desings.

Thanks,-hariharanvp

By anon37994 — On Jul 23, 2009

nice article --yvonne

By anon37872 — On Jul 22, 2009

I love this term; thanks for sharing it! I now have a new word in my life. I am actively practicing woolgathering literally and figuratively, as my husband and I fulfill our dream of having a farm upon which I will raise alpacas. Woolgathering simply for relaxing and fun is an activity that I am consciously integrating into my life, so it "knits" (couldn't resist the pun!)perfectly with my life at this time. Thanks again!

By hariharanvp — On Jul 22, 2009

1Its nice to know Woolgathering. Every human gets into this whether knowingly or unknowingly in each day of his/her life and mainly when he/she is free and alone. This helps all to develop certain things which can be achieved in near future even though it may not be timely. Everyone daydreams, irrespective of sex for certain things which they cannot express to others or which they want to achieve or enjoy but without letting others know about it. It is a must that everyone should have woolgathering to enjoy and have self motivation since it is the best medicine in the form of motivation to develop oneself.

I am the one who has posted this. If any comments come let me know

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-woolgathering.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.