round
/raʊnd/Having a curved shape with no corners or sharp edges. It can also mean complete, even, or smooth in shape or sound.
- She drew a round circle.
- The table has round edges.
- He has a round voice.
A complete turn, cycle, or stage in an activity. It can also mean one game, one question set, or a single trip in a series.
- We played two rounds of cards.
- She passed the first round.
- This is my round at the café.
To make something into a round shape, or to become round. It can also mean to say a number with only whole numbers.
- Round the corners carefully.
- His eyes rounded in surprise.
- Round 2.6 to 3.
Around or through a place, often in a movement or route. It is common in spoken English and informal writing.
- We walked round the park.
- She came round the back.
- He looked round the room.
Adinary Nuance
Round is broader than circular. Circular usually describes a flat shape or formal design, while round is more common in everyday English. Compared with around, round can mean movement or position in some British and Indian English uses. In American English, around is usually more common for that meaning.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tròn
- Spanish
- redondo
- Chinese
- 圆的
- Japanese
- 丸い
- Korean
- 둥근
Etymology
Round comes from Old French rond, from Latin rotundus, meaning “shaped like a wheel.” It has been used in English since the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is round a common word in English?
- Yes. It is very common in speech and writing.
- What is the difference between round and circular?
- Round is more general and everyday. Circular is more specific and often sounds more formal.
- Can round mean 'about' a number?
- Yes. You can say "round 4.7 to 5."
- Is round used as a preposition in British English?
- Yes. People often say "round the corner" or "walk round the park."