around

English Online Dictionary. What means around‎? What does around mean?

English

Alternative forms

• round
• arownd (obsolete)
• ron (Bermuda)
• 'round (contraction)

Etymology

From Middle English around, arounde, from a- (from Old English a- (“on, at”)) + Middle English round (“circle, round”) borrowed from French, equivalent to a- +‎ round. Cognate with Scots aroond, aroon (“around”). Displaced earlier Middle English umbe, embe (“around”) (from Old English ymbe (“around”)).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /əˈɹaʊnd/
• Rhymes: -aʊnd
• Hyphenation: a‧round

Preposition

around

1. Forming a circle or closed curve containing (something).

   Synonym: (obsolete) environ
2. (of abstract things) Centred upon; surrounding; regarding.

   Synonym: (obsolete) environ
3. Following the perimeter of a specified area and returning to the starting point.

4. Following a path which curves near an object, with the object on the inside of the curve.
5. Near; in the vicinity of.

6. At or to various places within or throughout.

Derived terms

Translations

Adjective

around (not comparable)

1. (informal, predicative only, with the verb "to be") Present in the vicinity.

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

Derived terms

• be around

Translations

Adverb

around (not comparable)

1. So as to form a circle or trace a circular path, or approximation thereof.

2. So as to surround or be near.

3. Nearly; approximately; about.

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

   (see bring around, come around)

   (see bring around, come around)

6. (with turn, spin, etc.) So as to partially or completely rotate; so as to face in the opposite direction.

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

8. Used with certain verbs to suggest unproductive activity.

Derived terms

Translations

See also

• Category:English phrasal verbs formed with "around"
• round
• about

Middle English

Adverb

around

1. Alternative form of arounde