ROUNDABOUT
devious, circuitous, roundabout
(adjective) deviating from a straight course; “a scenic but devious route”; “a long and circuitous journey by train and boat”; “a roundabout route avoided rush-hour traffic”
circuitous, roundabout
(adjective) marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct; “the explanation was circuitous and puzzling”; “a roundabout paragraph”; “hear in a roundabout way that her ex-husband was marrying her best friend”
carousel, carrousel, merry-go-round, roundabout, whirligig
(noun) a large, rotating machine with seats for children to ride or amusement
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
roundabout (comparative more roundabout, superlative most roundabout)
Indirect, circuitous, or circumlocutionary.
Encircling; enveloping; comprehensive.
Noun
roundabout (plural roundabouts)
(chiefly, UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and sometimes, US) A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island.
(chiefly, British) A horizontal wheel which rotates around a central axis when pushed and on which children ride, often found in parks as a children's play apparatus.
A fairground carousel.
A detour.
A short, close-fitting coat or jacket worn by men or boys, especially in the 19th century.
(archaic) A round dance.
Usage notes
• In North America roundabout is typically used for smaller traffic circles and rotary for larger traffic circles.
Synonyms
• (road junction): traffic circle, rotary
• (fairground ride): merry-go-round
Coordinate terms
• (road junction): pork chop island
Source: Wiktionary
Round"a*bout`, a.
1. Circuitous; going round; indirect; as, roundabout speech. We have taken a terrible roundabout road. Burke.
2. Encircling; enveloping; comprehensive. "Large, sound, roundabout sense." Locke.
Round"a*bout`, n.
1. A horizontal wheel or frame, commonly with wooden horses, etc., on which children ride; a merry-go-round. Smart.
2. A dance performed in a circle. Goldsmith.
3. A short, close jacket worn by boys, sailors, etc.
4. A state or scene of constant change, or of recurring labor and vicissitude. Cowper.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
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