Word
roundabout
Phoneticsround·about
US/ˈɹaʊndəˌbaʊt/
UK/ɹˈaʊndɐbˌaʊt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a circular place where several roads meet. You drive around a center island until you reach the road you want to take.
n. a circular intersection where traffic moves in one direction around a central island. Common in British English; often referred to as a 'traffic circle' in North American contexts.
Examples
“Take the second exit at the roundabout.”
“The new roundabout has significantly reduced the number of accidents at the busy intersection.”
“Navigating the multi-lane roundabout requires constant attention to lane markings and the signaling of other drivers to ensure a safe exit.”
Examples
simple
“Take the second exit at the roundabout.”
contextual
“The new roundabout has significantly reduced the number of accidents at the busy intersection.”
complex
“Navigating the multi-lane roundabout requires constant attention to lane markings and the signaling of other drivers to ensure a safe exit.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verb 'take' when giving directions ('take the third exit').
Etymology
From round + about [from early 20th c.].
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/roundabout