Around definition

ə-round

On all sides of.

Trees around the field.

preposition

So as to master or overcome (an obstacle or problem)

We got around the boss by finding a substitute.

preposition

So as to pass, bypass, or avoid.

A way around an obstacle; got around the difficulty somehow.

preposition

On all sides of; in every direction from.

preposition

On the circumference, border, or outer part of.

preposition

On the move; about.

He's up and around now.

adjective

Existing; living.

When dinosaurs were around.

adjective

From place to place.

There are rumors going around that the company is bankrupt.

She went around the office and got everyone to sign the card.

Look around and see what you find.

We moved the furniture around in the living room.

adverb

In a circle or with a circular motion.

Spun around twice.

adverb

In succession or rotation.

Passed the collection plate around; seasons that rolled around each year.

adverb

In or toward the opposite direction or position.

Wheeled around to face the attacker.

adverb

Round.

In a circle; along a circular course or circumference.
In or through a course or circuit, as from one place to another.
On all sides; in every direction.
In circumference.
In or to the opposite direction, belief, etc.
In various places; here and there.
In succession or sequence.

His turn came around.
In every part; throughout.

The year around.

adverb

From the beginning to the end of (a period of time); throughout.

preposition

Around is defined as in a circle or ring.

A tie is an example of something that goes around one's neck.

adverb

From the beginning to the end.

Frigid weather the year around.

adverb

Following the perimeter of a specified area and returning to the starting point.

We walked around the football field. She went around the track fifty times.

preposition

Following a path which curves near an object, with the object on the inside of the curve.

The road took a brief detour around the large rock formation, then went straight on.

preposition

(of distance, time) Near; in the vicinity of.

I left my keys somewhere around here. I left the house around 10 this morning. There isn't another house here for miles around. I'll see you around [the neighbourhood, etc.]

preposition

At various places in.

The pages from the notebook were scattered around the room. Those teenagers like to hang around the mall.

preposition

(informal, with the verb "to be") Alive; existing.

The record store on Main Street? Yes, it's still around.

"How is old Bob? I heard that his health is failing." "Oh, he's still around. He's feeling better now."

adjective

Generally.

adverb

From one state or condition to an opposite or very different one; with a metaphorical change in direction; bringing about awareness or agreement.

The team wasn't doing well, but the new coach really turned things around.

He used to stay up late but his new girlfriend changed that around.

The patient was unconscious but the doctor brought him around quickly. (see bring around, come around)

I didn't think he would ever like the new design, but eventually we brought him around. (see bring around, come around)

adverb

(with turn, spin, etc.) Partially or completely rotated, including to face in the opposite direction.

Turn around at the end of this street.

She spun around a few times.

adverb

Used with verbs to indicate repeated or continuous action, or in numerous locations or with numerous people.

Stop kidding around. I'm serious.

I asked around, and no-one really liked it.

Shopping around can get you a better deal.

When are you going to stop whoring around, find a nice girl, and give us grandchildren?

adverb

In circumference or perimeter.

A pond two miles around.

adverb

So as to rotate or revolve about (an axis or center)

preposition

In or near one's current location.

Waited around for the next flight.

adverb

Approximately; about.

Weighed around 30 pounds; around $1.3 billion in debt.

adverb

On all sides.

Dirty clothes lying around.

adverb

In close to all sides from all directions.

A field bordered around with tall trees.

adverb

To or among various places; here and there.

Wander around.

adverb

To a specific place.

Come around again sometime.

adverb

In such a position as to encircle or surround.

A sash around the waist.

preposition

On or to the farther side of.

The house around the corner.

preposition

Approximately at.

Woke up around seven.

preposition

In such a way as to have a basis or center in.

An economy focused around farming and light industry.

preposition

Here and there within; throughout.

On the political stump around the country.

preposition

In the immediate vicinity of; near.

She lives around Norfolk.

preposition

Being in existence.

Our old dog is no longer around.

adjective

Being in evidence; present.

Asked if the store manager was around.

adjective

(informal) Within a close periphery; nearby.

Stay around.

adverb

(informal) To a (specified or understood) place.

Come around to see us.

adverb

(informal) Nearly; approximately; about.

Around five pounds.

adverb

So as to surround or envelop.

preposition

In the vicinity of; near to.

Somewhere around the building.

preposition

Somewhat close to; about.

It happened around 1965

preposition

So as to be based on.

A speech written around a favorite concept.

preposition

So as to encircle.

preposition

In various places in or on; here and there in; all about.

preposition

To or through every part or various parts of; in a circuit or course through.

preposition

So as to make a curve or partial circuit about.

preposition

At a point reached by making such a circuit about.

The house around the corner.

preposition

Defining a circle or closed curve containing a thing.

I planted a row of lillies around the statue. The jackals began to gather around [someone or something].

preposition

(informal) been around

Had many and varied experiences; been experienced in the ways of the world:

A young executive who has been around.

idiom

have been around

to have had wide experience; be sophisticated

idiom

Alternative Forms

Alternative Form of around - round 1

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

been around

have been around

Origin of around

Middle English probably a- in a–² round circle round¹

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Middle English around, arounde, from a- (from Old English a- (“on, at”)) + Middle English round (“circle, round”), equivalent to a- +‎ round. Cognate with Scots aroond, aroon (“around”). Displaced earlier Middle English umbe, embe (“around”) (from Old English ymbe (“around”)). See umbe.

From Wiktionary

Around definition

Alternative Forms

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

Origin of around

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

From Wiktionary

Around Sentence Examples

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Words near around in the Dictionary

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