roundabout Definition
- 1a road junction at which traffic moves in one direction around a central island to reach one of the roads converging on it
- 2not saying what you mean clearly and directly, usually because you do not want to cause offence
Using roundabout: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "roundabout" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The roundabout was busy with cars.
Example
He gave me a roundabout answer to my question.
Example
She made a roundabout apology for being late.
roundabout Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for roundabout
- rotary
- gyratory
- circulator
- traffic circle
Phrases with roundabout
to drive around the central island of a roundabout until you reach the exit you want
Example
Take the second exit when you go round the roundabout.
to avoid talking about something directly, usually because it is difficult or embarrassing
Example
Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
to take a longer route than necessary to get somewhere
Example
We took the roundabout way to avoid the traffic.
Origins of roundabout
from 'round' + 'about'
Summary: roundabout in Brief
A 'roundabout' [ˈraʊndəbaʊt] is a type of road junction where traffic moves in one direction around a central island to reach one of the roads converging on it. It can also refer to indirect or evasive language, as in 'He gave me a roundabout answer to my question.' Phrases include 'go round the roundabout,' meaning to drive around the central island until you reach the exit you want, and 'take the roundabout way,' meaning to take a longer route than necessary to get somewhere.
