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
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
In other jurisdictions, this has served as a roundabout way to force police departments to pull those officers from street patrol or detective work, roles that regularly require police to testify about arrests or other incidents.
—Skye Seipp, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Construction of the roundabout began in the summer of 2024.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for roundabout
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Adjective
The longer approaches along U.S. 231 are designed to address the sudden change in speed from 55 mph to 25 mph at the roundabout approach, according to specifications provided by INDOT.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025
In other jurisdictions, this has served as a roundabout way to force police departments to pull those officers from street patrol or detective work, roles that regularly require police to testify about arrests or other incidents.
—Skye Seipp, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 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
Construction of the roundabout began in the summer of 2024.
—John Tuohy, IndyStar, 17 July 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 27 Aug. 2025.
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