Roundabout
/ˈraʊndəbaʊt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA road junction in which traffic moves in one direction around a central island to reach the desired exit.
/ˈraʊndəbaʊt/
A circular intersection where traffic flows around a central island.
The new roundabout has improved traffic flow in the area.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a merry-go-round for cars! Instead of stopping at a traffic light, cars go around in a circle until they can exit onto the street they want.
👶 For kids: It's a circle in the road where cars go around and around until they can go where they need to go.
More Examples
We circled the roundabout twice before finding the correct exit.
The accident occurred just before the roundabout.
How It's Used
"Traffic moved slowly through the roundabout, causing a slight delay."
Not direct or straightforward; indirect.
/ˈraʊndəbaʊt/
Indirect or circuitous.
She took a roundabout route to avoid the traffic.
💡 Simply: When someone is being 'roundabout', they're not getting straight to the point. They're taking a long, twisty road to explain something, instead of the direct path.
👶 For kids: When something goes around in circles to get somewhere, instead of going straight.
More Examples
His explanation was a little roundabout, but we eventually understood.
They had a roundabout discussion about the problem before reaching a solution.
How It's Used
"He gave a roundabout answer, avoiding the direct question."
"The plot followed a roundabout course with many twists and turns."
Idioms & expressions
take the roundabout
To choose an indirect route or approach, often to avoid a problem or inconvenience.
"Instead of confronting her boss directly, she decided to take the roundabout and talk to HR first."
From "round" + "about." The word originally described a circular journey or a circuitous route. It later became associated with the circular traffic intersections.
The term 'roundabout' for traffic intersections gained prominence in the late 20th century as their usage increased for traffic management.