English Reference
Noun

roundabout

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US /ˈɹaʊndəˌbaʊt/ UK /ɹˈaʊndɐbˌaʊt/ round·about

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.


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').


From round + about [from early 20th c.].

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated