1
a
: in a circle or in circumference
The wheel goes around.
a tree five feet around
b
: in, along, or through a circuit
The road goes around by the lake.
2
a
: on all or various sides : in every or any direction
papers lying around
There was nothing for miles around.
b
: in close from all sides so as to surround
People crowded around.
c
: in or near one's present place or situation
We had to wait around awhile.
3
a
: here and there : from one place to another
She travels around on business.
b
: to a particular place
You should come around for dinner.
c
—used with some verbs to indicate repeated or continued action
He's always joking around when he should be serious.
Don't play around with your food.
4
a
: in rotation or succession
Another winter has come around.
b
: from beginning to end : through
The weather is mild the year around.
c
: in order
the other way around
5
: in or to an opposite direction or position
turn around
6
: with some approach to exactness : approximately
It costs around $5.
1
a
: on all sides of
a yard with a fence around it
b
: so as to encircle or enclose
seated around the table
c
: so as to avoid or get past : on or to another side of
trying to find a way around their objections
We went around the lake.
around the corner
d
: near
lives around Chicago
around the turn of the century
2
: in all directions outward from
Look around you.
3
: here and there in or throughout
They went barnstorming around the country.
4
: so as to have a center or basis in
a society organized around kinship ties
1
: about sense 1
He has been up and around for two days.
2
: being in existence, evidence, or circulation
… the most intelligent of the artists around today.—
R. M. Coates
R. M. CoatesSynonyms
Examples of around in a Sentence
Adverb
Don't take the long way around: I know a shortcut.
He entered the room and looked around.
This is a very interesting town: let me show you around.
I'm not sure where it is, but it must be around somewhere.
It's safer when there are other people around.
I'd like to speak to him if he's around.
Preposition
The people were seated around the table.
A crowd gathered around him.
He tied the rope around his waist.
We went all around the lake enjoying the different views.
They sailed around the world.
He's a well-known figure around the town.
We drove all around the town looking for him.
This is a very interesting town: let me show you around it.
We took a tour around New England.
You can find lots of good restaurants around here.
Adjective
she's generally regarded as one of the most talented singers around
Recent Examples on the WebPatricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2024
Officers arrived around 6:40 a.m. after receiving a call about a bicycle with flashing lights blocking one of the lanes near 4500 E. 1st St.
Court records identify the suspect as 26-year-old Rolando Cruz.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2024
Nora Colomer, Fox News, 3 June 2024
The sheriff asked the public to use caution around the river.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024
Jane Herman, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024
Now a senior, Isbell set the school record for all-around score with a 38.5, topping the 18-year-old standard by 0.1 points, in a meet against Woburn Jan. 18.
—Kat Cornetta, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for around 
Adverb
This hotel has been around for about 50 years, with renovations bringing it up to date with bright lobby decor and refreshed guest rooms and sweets.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2024
Officers arrived around 6:40 a.m. after receiving a call about a bicycle with flashing lights blocking one of the lanes near 4500 E. 1st St.
Court records identify the suspect as 26-year-old Rolando Cruz.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2024
Preposition
Bowflex Max Trainer Jumpstart Dad's fitness routine with an at-home elliptical with the Bowflex Max Trainer, priced at around $1,300 on Amazon, is a great no-frills option for anybody wanting a hearty, low-impact workout at home.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 3 June 2024
The sheriff asked the public to use caution around the river.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2024
Adjective
Start by making small abrasions in the areas where holes or fraying would naturally occur: At the knees, yes, but also the around hems, pocket edges, and button holes.
—Jane Herman, Vogue, 7 Apr. 2024
Now a senior, Isbell set the school record for all-around score with a 38.5, topping the 18-year-old standard by 0.1 points, in a meet against Woburn Jan. 18.
—Kat Cornetta, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for around
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'around.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near around
Cite this Entry
“Around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/around. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
around
1 of 2 adverb1
: in circumference
a tree five feet around
2
: in or along a curving path
3
: on all sides
papers lying around
4
: nearby
stick around a while
5
: here and there in various places
travel around
6
: to each in turn
pass the fruit around
7
: from beginning to end
mild the year around
8
: in or to an opposite direction or position
turn around
9
: close to : approximately
costs around $20
around
2 of 2 preposition1
a
: on all sides of
were fields around the village
b
: so as to encircle or enclose
people seated around the table
c
: on or to another side of
voyage around Cape Horn
d
: near to
lives around Chicago
2
: here and there in or throughout
travel around the country
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