roundabout
Roundabout (noun) means a road junction where traffic circles around a central island instead of stopping at lights. Example: “Take the third exit at the roundabout.”
How to use roundabout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the traffic circle/playground ride, or (as an adjective) indirect and not straightforward.
In American English, the traffic version is usually called a "traffic circle" or "rotary"; "roundabout" for road junctions is mainly British.
Word forms
more roundabout comparative, roundabouted past tense, roundabouts plural, roundabouts singular, most roundabout superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Take the third exit at the _____.
Etymology
From round + about, describing something that goes around rather than straight through.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for roundabout
See all rhymes for roundabout →Frequently asked questions
What does “roundabout” mean?
The word “roundabout” means a road junction where traffic circles around a central island instead of stopping at lights. In plain terms, either the traffic circle/playground ride, or (as an adjective) indirect and not straightforward.
How do you pronounce “roundabout”?
“Roundabout” is pronounced ROWN-duh-bowt (/ˈɹaʊndəˌbaʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “roundabout” in a sentence?
Here is “roundabout” used in a sentence: “Take the third exit at the roundabout.”
What part of speech is “roundabout”?
Depending on how it is used, “roundabout” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “roundabout” a common word?
“Roundabout” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “roundabout” have?
“Roundabout” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a road junction where traffic circles around a central island instead of stopping at lights.