round-robin

noun

round-rob·​in ˈrau̇nd-ˌrä-bən 

1

a

: a written petition, memorial, or protest to which the signatures are affixed in a circle so as not to indicate who signed first

b

: a statement signed by several persons

c

: something (such as a letter) sent in turn to the members of a group each of whom signs and forwards it sometimes after adding comment

2

: roundtable sense 1

3

: a tournament in which every contestant meets every other contestant in turn

4

: series, round

Synonyms of round-robin

• seminar
• symposium
• conference
• panel

Examples of round-robin in a Sentence

a round-robin to discuss the epidemic of performance-enhancing drugs plaguing professional sports

Recent Examples on the Web

As did ever-polarizing WWE star and influencer Logan Paul, who will play on the opposing team, Wildcats FFC, during the four-game round-robin tournament. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026

Prague and Calgary will host the round-robin games and the semifinal and final will be in Edmonton. —Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

Ina Forrest said Wednesday after Canada beat Slovakia 9-6 in round-robin play with a medal-round spot already secured. —Liam Tharme, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026

Enjoy round-robin play, beginner clinics, social matches, drawings, a silent auction, and great food and drinks. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the name Robin

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for round-robin

• globin
• haemoglobin
• hemoglobin
• myoglobin

Kids Definition

round-robin

noun

ˈrau̇n-ˌdräb-ən

1

: a letter (as of protest) whose signers put their signatures in a circle so the receiver cannot tell who signed first

2

: a tournament in which every contestant plays once against every other contestant