I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: round (I) about
1. : something circular: as
a. archaic : a circular course or path
b. archaic : a circular encampment
c. chiefly dialect : a surrounding hedge
2.
a. : a circuitous way to a destination or object : an indirect route : detour
the painting had reached the United States in the typical roundabout of forgotten masterpieces, after a journey that began in 1909 — Time
b. : an oblique or indirect expression : circumlocution
3. Britain : merry-go-round
it looks like some new and terrifying roundabout at a fairground — Ivor Jones
what the public lose materially on the swings as consumers they will more than gain on the roundabouts as producers — Economist
4. archaic : round dance 1
5. also roundabout jacket : a short close-fitting jacket worn by men and boys especially in the 19th century
6. Britain : rotary 2
7.
a. : round trip
b. : a rambling excursion
II. adjective
Etymology: round (I) about
1. : marked by circuitousness or indirection: as
a. : deviating from a straight line or course : curving , meandering, winding
the train has to come a roundabout way — Cortland Fitzsimmons
b. : oblique or devious in speech or conduct
write roundabout paragraphs — C.E.Kellogg
his approach to her was roundabout — Jean Stafford
2. : rounded in figure : plump
a little roundabout woman with rosy cheeks — Elizabeth Goudge
• round·about·ness noun -es