detour

1 of 2

noun

de·​tour ˈdē-ˌtu̇r 

also di-ˈtu̇r

: a deviation from a direct course or the usual procedure

especially : a roundabout way temporarily replacing part of a route

detour

2 of 2

verb

detoured; detouring; detours

intransitive verb

: to proceed by a detour

detour around road construction

transitive verb

1

: to send by a circuitous route

detour traffic around an accident

2

: to avoid by going around : bypass

detour an accident site

Synonyms of detour

Noun

• deviation
• departure

Verb

• bypass
• circumvent
• avoid

Examples of detour in a Sentence

Noun

After a number of unexpected detours, we finally arrived at our destination.

The little restaurant is worth a detour.

We had to make a detour around the heaviest traffic.

We took a detour from the main streets.

The road is closed ahead, so traffic will have to follow the detour.

Verb

We detoured around the heaviest traffic.

A police officer was detouring traffic around the scene of the accident.

Traffic will be detoured to 72nd Street.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While art lovers and adrenaline enthusiasts will love this detour, everyone will appreciate the peaceful setting at the end of the day. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026

The passing of 30 years has only enhanced the appeal of the group’s Nashville detour, shifting attention from the incongruity of Ween cutting a country record to the joyous chemistry between these old pros and young punks. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2026

Verb

Winsted Road was detoured for several hours as the Torrington Police Department Accident Investigation Team collected evidence and mapped the scene. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026

For half a century, the road to the White House detoured through Jerusalem. — Aaron Kaplowitz, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French détour, from Old French destor, from destorner to divert, from des- de- + torner to turn — more at turn

First Known Use

Noun

1738, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1836, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for detour

• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure
• brochure
• cocksure
• coiffure
• contour
• couture
• demure
• endure
• ensure

Kids Definition

detour

1 of 2 noun

de·​tour ˈdē-ˌtu̇(ə)r 

also di-ˈtu̇(ə)r

: a departure from a direct course or the usual procedure

especially : a roundabout way temporarily replacing a regular route

detour

2 of 2 verb

: to send or proceed by a detour

detour traffic around an accident