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
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 24 May 2025
Weak track record Wary of backlash from their constituents, Republicans have agreed on a strategy that would largely cut Medicaid spending in a roundabout way.
—Jane Tavares, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
Instead, the council authorized minor improvements to the intersection that will cost about $2 million instead of building the $19 million roundabout.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for roundabout
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Adjective
This is all just a roundabout way of saying that Playhouse was, in a sense, music to my ears — a dog whistle that snapped me to attention.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 24 May 2025
Weak track record Wary of backlash from their constituents, Republicans have agreed on a strategy that would largely cut Medicaid spending in a roundabout way.
—Jane Tavares, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
Noun
The extra taxes go toward paying for public improvements like roads, parks and roundabouts.
—Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
Instead, the council authorized minor improvements to the intersection that will cost about $2 million instead of building the $19 million roundabout.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 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 5 Jun. 2025.
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