roundabout meaning and definition

ROUNDABOUT noun

Definition of roundabout (noun)

1. a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island
   • "the accident blocked all traffic at the rotary"
   • synonyms: circle, rotary, traffic circle
2. a large, rotating machine with seats for children to ride or amusement
   • synonyms: carousel, carrousel, merry-go-round, whirligig

ROUNDABOUT adjective

Definition of roundabout (adjective)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: circuitous
2. 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"
   • synonyms: circuitous, devious