round·about
ˈrau̇n-də-ˌbau̇t 
: circuitous, indirect
had to take a roundabout route
roundaboutness
noun
1
: a circuitous route : detour
2
British
: merry-go-round
3
: a short close-fitting jacket worn by men and boys especially in the 19th century
4
Examples of roundabout in a Sentence
Adjective
He took a roundabout route to town.
In a roundabout way, he told me that my help was not wanted.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Tufts, IndyStar, 4 Sep. 2025
As such, the networks aren’t on the hook for makegoods in the increasingly unlikely event of under-deliveries, which is a roundabout way of suggesting that the annual audience tallies are mostly of interest to PR types.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
To slow traffic and decrease the number of crashes, the Indiana Department of Transportation has suggested installing four roundabouts along Indiana 32, which runs through the area.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for roundabout
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Fishers nixes plans for another Allisonville roundabout after crash spike at 96th Street circle Noblesville has dominated Indiana soccer for years.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 4 Sep. 2025
As such, the networks aren’t on the hook for makegoods in the increasingly unlikely event of under-deliveries, which is a roundabout way of suggesting that the annual audience tallies are mostly of interest to PR types.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
Next year, after the completion of the roundabout at 113th and 231, the park will have a brand new entrance.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
To slow traffic and decrease the number of crashes, the Indiana Department of Transportation has suggested installing four roundabouts along Indiana 32, which runs through the area.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for roundabout
Cite this Entry
“Roundabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roundabout. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share