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
Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
Which is, in a roundabout way, how Colicchio ended up an investor in 30 companies.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Crews will build bridges to carry Highway 65 over cross streets, with some roundabouts below.
—Maria Lisignoli, CBS News, 27 May 2026
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
In a roundabout way, the country’s affluence might be contributing to its pessimism.
—Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
Which is, in a roundabout way, how Colicchio ended up an investor in 30 companies.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Noun
Olthof reiterated at the Town Council meeting that his development company is also pledging $350,000 toward the construction of a roundabout in the planning stages at Gibson and East 117th Avenue and any roadway improvements on Gibson.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Crews will build bridges to carry Highway 65 over cross streets, with some roundabouts below.
—Maria Lisignoli, CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for roundabout
Cite this Entry
“Roundabout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/roundabout. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
