Round
/raʊnd/
Definitions
4 meaningsA shape that is circular or curved; a complete series of activities or events.
/raʊnd/
A circular or curved shape.
The carousel went around in a round.
💡 Simply: Imagine a pizza slice! A round is a slice, or a circle like a pizza. In sports, a round is like a part of a boxing match, and then they go back to their corners to get ready for another one!
👶 For kids: A round thing is like a ball, a circle or a hoop! In a game, a round is like a turn or a part of the game.
More Examples
We ate a round of sandwiches.
The first round of negotiations was unproductive.
How It's Used
"The pizza was cut into equal rounds."
"The boxer won the first round."
Having a circular or curved form; approximately the specified amount.
/raʊnd/
Having a circular or curved form.
The moon appeared round in the night sky.
💡 Simply: Think of a ball or a coin! 'Round' means something is shaped like a circle or a ball. You can use round to describe a person or things. For example, 'she has a round face' or 'the number is round 10'.
👶 For kids: When something is round, it's shaped like a ball or a circle! It can also mean close to a number like 10.
More Examples
Please use a round figure to estimate the cost.
A round table made the meeting more collaborative.
How It's Used
"She had a round face."
"We use a round number."
To make something circular; to move in a circular direction or around something.
/raʊnd/
To make something circular or curved; to move in a circular direction.
She rounded the corners of the paper.
💡 Simply: To 'round' something can be like making it curve. For instance, the chef will 'round' off the cake. You can 'round' something, or to go 'round' a place. For example, the boat 'rounded the island.'
👶 For kids: To round something means to make it into a circle, like when you roll something into a ball. Or, to go around something.
More Examples
The ship rounded the island.
Let's round the figures to the nearest whole number.
How It's Used
"She rounded the edges of the pie crust."
"The ship rounded the cape."
In a circular or curved direction; all around.
/raʊnd/
The children ran round in the park.
💡 Simply: When you move 'round' means going in a circle or seeing everything. For example, when you say 'look round', you can see everything around.
👶 For kids: When something is round, it's shaped like a ball or a circle! Or, to go around.
More Examples
The guards patrolled round the building.
She turned round and saw her friend.
How It's Used
"The children danced round the maypole."
"Look round!"
Synonyms
Circle
Loop
Period
Circular
Curved
Full
Complete
Curve
About
Around
Idioms & expressions
round and round
In a circular motion, repeatedly.
"The carousel went round and round."
a round of applause
An instance of clapping to show appreciation.
"The audience gave the performer a round of applause."
go round
To visit (a place).
"We'll go round to their house later."
From Old French *roont* (meaning 'circular, rounded'), which itself comes from Latin *rotundus* ('circular').
The word 'round' has been used in English since the 13th century, originally referring to a circular shape. Its usage has expanded over time to include concepts of completeness, repeated action, and more abstract meanings.
Memory tip
Think of a ball: a perfect round shape.