roundabout Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island
    traffic circle; circle; rotary.
    • the accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
  2. noun a large, rotating machine with seats for children to ride or amusement
    whirligig; carrousel; carousel; merry-go-round.
  3. adjective satellite marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct
    circuitous.
    • the explanation was circuitous and puzzling
    • a roundabout paragraph
    • hear in a roundabout way that her ex-husband was marrying her best friend
  4. adjective satellite deviating from a straight course
    devious; circuitous.
    • a scenic but devious route
    • a long and circuitous journey by train and boat
    • a roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic

WordNet


Round"a*bout` adjective
Definitions
  1. Circuitous; going round; indirect; as, roundabout speech.
    We have taken a terrible roundabout road. Burke.
  2. Encircling; enveloping; comprehensive. "Large, sound, roundabout sense." Locke.
Round"a*bout` noun
Definitions
  1. A horizontal wheel or frame, commonly with wooden horses, etc., on which children ride; a merry-go-round. Smart.
  2. A dance performed in a circle. Goldsmith.
  3. A short, close jacket worn by boys, sailors, etc.
  4. A state or scene of constant change, or of recurring labor and vicissitude. Cowper.

Webster 1913