English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun Uncommon

detour

DEE-taw

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Detour (noun) means an indirect route taken instead of the direct one. Example: “We took a detour to avoid the accident on the motorway.”

noun

1

An indirect route taken instead of the direct one.

"We took a detour to avoid the accident on the motorway."

verb

1

To take, or send someone on, an indirect route.

"Roadworks forced drivers to detour through the village."

How to use detour

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA roundabout route away from the usual one, often because of a closure.

Common pairings

take a detour a scenic detour forced to detour

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: detours
Third person singular: detours
Past tense: detoured

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We took a _____ to avoid the accident on the motorway.

Etymology

From French détour, from détourner ("to turn away").

Origin: French

Synonyms

roundabout way

Rhymes for detour

our hour four your pour sour tour dour flour scour odour amour

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Frequently asked questions

What does “detour” mean?

The word “detour” means an indirect route taken instead of the direct one. In plain terms, a roundabout route away from the usual one, often because of a closure.

How do you pronounce “detour”?

“Detour” is pronounced DEE-taw (/ˈdi.toɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “detour” in a sentence?

Here is “detour” used in a sentence: “We took a detour to avoid the accident on the motorway.”

What part of speech is “detour”?

Depending on how it is used, “detour” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “detour” come from?

The word “detour” comes from French. From French détour, from détourner ("to turn away").

Is “detour” a common word?

“Detour” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “detour” have?

“Detour” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an indirect route taken instead of the direct one.