Round Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

round

1 of 6

adjective

1
a(1)
: having every part of the surface or circumference equidistant from the center
(2)
: cylindrical
a round peg
b
: approximately round
a round face
2
: well filled out : plump, shapely
3
a
: complete, full
a round dozen
a round ton
b
: approximately correct
especially : exact only to a specific decimal or place
use the round number 1400 for the exact figure 1411
c
: substantial in amount : ample
a good round priceT. B. Costain
4
: direct in utterance : outspoken
a round denunciation
5
: moving in or forming a circle
6
a
: brought to completion or perfection : finished
b
: presented with lifelike fullness or vividness
7
: delivered with a swing of the arm
a round blow
8
a
: having full or unimpeded resonance or tone : sonorous
b
: pronounced with rounded lips : labialized
9
: of or relating to handwriting predominantly curved rather than angular
roundness noun

round

2 of 6

adverb

: around

round

3 of 6

noun

1
a
: something (such as a circle, globe, or ring) that is round
b(1)
: a knot of people
(2)
: a circle of things
2
3
: a musical canon in which each part begins on the same note and is continuously repeated
4
a
: a rung of a ladder or a chair
b
: a rounded molding
5
a
: a circling or circuitous path or course
b
: motion in a circle or a curving path
6
a
: a route or circuit habitually covered (as by a security guard or police officer)
b
: a series of similar or customary calls or stops
They were always together, fighting to cure paralysis. An endless round of fundraisers, Congressional testimony.Diane Sawyer
often used in plural
You see, in election time local politicians, aspirants for office, have a way of making the rounds of the saloons to get votes.Jack London… no one … was surprised to see him making the TV news rounds within hours of his announced termination …Kristi Owram
especially : a series of regularly scheduled professional calls on hospital patients made by a doctor or nurse
usually used in plural
… if laboratory test results are not available to physicians when they make their routine morning rounds, they may have to delay patient management, repeat their rounds at a later time, and perhaps prolong their patients' hospital stays. David A. Novis and Jane C. Dale
7
: a drink of liquor apiece served at one time to each person in a group
I'll buy the next round
8
: a sequence of recurring routine or repetitive actions or events
went about my round of chores
the newest round of talks
9
: a period of time that recurs in a fixed pattern
the daily round
10
a
: one shot fired by a weapon or by each man in a military unit
b
: a unit of ammunition consisting of the parts necessary to fire one shot
11
a
: a unit of action in a contest or game which comprises a stated period, covers a prescribed distance, includes a specified number of plays, or gives each player one turn
b
: a division of a tournament in which each contestant plays an opponent
12
: a prolonged burst (as of applause)
13
a
: a cut of meat (such as beef) especially between the rump and the lower leg see beef illustration
b
: a slice of food
a round of bread
14
: a rounded or curved part

round

4 of 6

verb (1)

rounded; rounding; rounds

transitive verb

1
a
: to make round
b(1)
: to make (the lips) round and protruded (as in the pronunciation of \ü\)
(2)
: to pronounce with lip rounding : labialize
2
a
b
: to pass part of the way around
3
4
: to bring to completion or perfection
often used with off or out
5
: to express as a round number
often used with off
11.3572 rounded off to two decimal places becomes 11.36

intransitive verb

1
a
: to become round, plump, or shapely
b
: to reach fullness or completion
2
: to follow a winding course : bend

round

5 of 6

preposition

1
: around
2
: all during : throughout
round the year

round

6 of 6

verb (2)

rounded; rounding; rounds

transitive verb

1
archaic : whisper
2
archaic : to speak to in a whisper
Phrases
in the round
1
: in full sculptured form unattached to a background
2
: with an inclusive or comprehensive view or representation
3
: with a center stage surrounded by an audience
a play presented in the round
round on
: to turn against : assail

Example Sentences

Adjective The baby has a round face. the owl's big, round eyes a shirt with a round collar Adverb people working there all year round gather round and listen to my story Noun a round of steel to reinforce the wooden beam a busy round of parties during the holiday season Preposition talked to voters round the city See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Whitman-Hanson 52, Leominster 46 — Senior captain Caitlin Leahy netted a team high 20 points and sophomore Lillie MacKinnon notched an additional 11 points for the No. 14 Panthers (14-7) in the first round win. Ryan Martin, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Mar. 2023 At one point there were talks of the Coyotes wanting multiple first round picks and top-notch prospects in exchange for Chychrun, but the market for defensemen has dried up over the last week. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2023 The cooler climate also lends itself to a more elegant, high-acid style of Chardonnay as opposed to rich and round. Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Mar. 2023 The result of this exotic technology is a nice, round 200 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. David E. Davis Jr., Car and Driver, 1 Mar. 2023 Patrick Jasper Lee Autists are the ultimate square pegs, and the problem with pounding a square peg into a round hole is not that the hammering is hard work. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023 Build a plush bench into the island and pair it with a round or oval table that echoes its curve for a stylish eat-in kitchen where friends and family can linger in comfort over a delicious meal or steaming cup of coffee. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2023 Blunt wore a custom gown by Marchesa, accessorized with a three-carat round diamond and platinum ring from Neil Lane. Lexi Lane, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2023 The anatomical orthotic insoles and ergonomic soles provide excellent support and cushioning, and the round and wide toe box prevents uncomfortable pressure and leaves plenty of room for toe movement. Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023
Adverb
The study, conducted by Baker & O’Brien Inc. for the main US refining trade group, outlines larger-than-expected impacts of the change, which is part of a bid to encourage filling stations to sell higher ethanol E15 gasoline and offer it year round. Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2023 The trees bear fruit all the year round, and unlike the orange it can be cured and stored away until such a time as the markets are firm and the prices high, which is generally during the heated summer months in the interior. San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2023 Jakob leads these weekly walks year round, but her interest in mythology extends beyond the fungi themselves. Hilda Gitchell, Scientific American, 26 Jan. 2023 A couple of inches of mulch can help regulate moisture levels and soil temperature year round. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2023 Even year round, the weather can be unpredictable, Schroeter said. Samantha J. Gross, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Dec. 2022 Now, the court has grown from its original 10 that only gathered for three days to 50 girls that represent the city of Mobile both locally and nationally year round. al, 24 Nov. 2022 Between the architecture, sculptured landmarks, museums and galleries, the birthplace of famed artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo is a living, breathing work of art year round. Brande Victorian, Essence, 31 Oct. 2022 The back band should be at the same level all the way round. Hannah Oh, Seventeen, 23 Aug. 2022
Noun
Under Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard, the Colts have always considered special teams a place to develop late-round picks into polished players who can help on offense or defense. The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2023 The 6-foot-6, 256-pound edge rusher from Texas was once projected as a potential first-round pick and still might be selected in the top 50. Michael Marot, ajc, 4 Mar. 2023 The Marlins also signed 37-year-old Johnny Cueto to a one-year deal and have 2017 first-round pick Trevor Rogers (25) competing for a rotation spot. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Mar. 2023 Performance coach and trainer Travelle Gaines has helped over 50 NFL first-round picks prep for the Combine through his Athletic Gaines program, including top five talents Myles Garrett and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Jeff Tomko, Men's Health, 3 Mar. 2023 The Kings traded pugnacious but little-used forward Brendan Lemieux and a 2024 fifth-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Zach MacEwen. Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2023 Pelletier came from Swift Current along with a 2nd-round pick in another trade for the future. Dylan Bumbarger, oregonlive, 3 Mar. 2023 February's parting gift to Arizona is another round of winter storm warnings throughout the Grand Canyon State, with heavy snow set to blanket the high country. The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2023 First up is the final round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, hosted by Tiger Woods. Andrew Torgan, CNN, 19 Feb. 2023
Verb
In addition to Daddario, Jack Huston, Tongayi Chirisa, and Harry Hamlin round out the cast as as Lasher, Ciprien Grieve, and Cortland Mayfair. Breanna Bell, Variety, 3 Feb. 2023 Danny Garza continued to round into form with 15 points in a win against Portage. Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2023 Then, WonderStruck will be at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland on July 8-9, and WonderBus will round out the summer concert season on August 25-27 at the Lawn at CAS in Columbus. cleveland, 16 Dec. 2022 This rose pepper-scented candle helps round out Brinkley-Cook's day in a way that's all about comfort. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 21 Nov. 2022 France, England and Spain round out the Top 5 in its odds. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 18 Nov. 2022 To round off her week of statement-making fashion in Paris, the beauty mogul posed for Instagram pictures alongside her make-up artist Ariel and hairstylist Jesus Guerrero before heading back to the States. Alice Cary, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2022 In Malmö, round out your trip at the Swedish Wine Center, which serves flights of regional wine. Amy Guttman, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2021 Big 12 rivals Baylor (9-2, No. 8) and Oklahoma (10-1, No. 10) round out the top 10 with No. 9 Mississippi (9-2) in between. Ralph D. Russo, chicagotribune.com, 24 Nov. 2021
Preposition
Butler’s dropping of the F-word was the shot heard round the world—or at least the shot aggregated and heard all over Twitter. Lana Schwartz, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2023 Montgomery, surrounded by friends and family, spent most of his time talking and looking round the old yard while standing near center ice for most of the post-workout session. Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Jan. 2023 Mine operator Emery County Coal Resources has been drilling round the clock for weeks, sinking up to 35 boreholes 1,200 feet into the mine where a coal deposit has been burning since Sept. 20. Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 Dec. 2022 Hendrick’s will welcome a Robb Report reader and their guests, who’ll be squired round the site by the British brand’s own master distiller, and industry legend, Lesley Gracie. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2022 Guyer, the 2021 UIL 6A Division II runner-up, will be a big test for Highland Park, which fell 29-28 to Frisco Wakeland in the area round last season. Myah Taylor, Dallas News, 16 Nov. 2022 Never forget the cringe felt ’round the world when, in 2021, Trevor Noah ambushed her to announce she’d just tied a Grammy record. Lindsay Zoladz, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2022 After 19 years, several breakups with other people, and an ass-smooch heard round the world, Lopez and Affleck have sealed their relationship reunion with this hefty purchase. Ashley Shannon Wu, Vulture, 21 Mar. 2022 This year’s midterms look to be the best showing for a President’s party in such a midterm since 2002, when the Republicans actually gained seats in both chambers in the rally-round-the-flag election following the shock of the 9/11 attacks. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 9 Nov. 2022
Verb
For dessert, the pastry spread and Arabic sweets are the perfect way to round out a meal. Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Feb. 2023 And while Urquidy can use the WBC as a way to round his way toward regular-season form, he won't be counted on as the ace of Mexico's staff. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 8 Feb. 2023 So start your day with any edible options above, plus a fruity champagne fizz to round out your Valentine's Day breakfast. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2023 Match with the right advisor to round out your financial plan & help optimize your wealth. Ivana Pino, Fortune, 30 Dec. 2022 For these reasons and more, Pääbo was awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, a fantastic way to round out 2022. Ryan Mcrae And Briana Pobiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2022 The lucky astronauts who will round out the complement of four have yet to be announced publicly. Jamie Groh, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2022 From the nicest beaches to the healthiest cafés to surfing, sailing, and hiking, here are his suggestions on the best ways to round out a trip to Oahu. Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 5 Dec. 2022 Spanx also just released a Perfect jumpsuit that's available in petite and tall sizes, and there's a Perfect blazer to round out your look. Erin Johnson, Peoplemag, 29 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'round.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English round, rounde "spherical, circular, rounded," borrowed from Anglo-French reund, rund, rount, going back to Vulgar Latin *retundus, altered (by presumed vowel dissimilation) from Latin rotundus — more at rotund

Adverb

Middle English, "in a circle," derivative of round, rounde round entry 1

Noun

Middle English rond, round, rounde "spherical body or form, circle," in part derivative of round, rounde round entry 1, in part borrowed from Anglo-French rund, rond (in en rund "round about") and runde (in a la runde "round about"), both nominal derivatives of reund, rund round entry 1

Verb (1)

Middle English rounden "to form a ball, be circular, cut (hair) close around the head," in part derivative of round round entry 1, in part borrowed from Anglo-French runder "to revolve" and Old French rondir "to make round," derivatives of rund, rond round entry 1

Preposition

derivative of round entry 2

Verb (2)

alteration of Middle English rounen, from Old English rūnian; akin to Old English rūn mystery — more at rune

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Preposition

1573, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of round was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near round

Cite this Entry

Round.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/round. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

round

1 of 5 adjective
1
a
: having every part of the surface or circumference the same distance from the center
b
: shaped like a cylinder
a round peg
c
: nearly round
a round face
2
3
a
: complete entry 1 sense 1
a round dozen
b
: nearly correct or exact to a certain decimal place
use the round number 1400 for the exact figure 1411
c
: large
a good round sum
4
: moving in or forming a circle
5
: having lifelike fullness
a round character in a story
6
: having fullness of tone
7
: having curves rather than angles
roundish
ˈrau̇n-dish
adjective
roundness noun

round

2 of 5 adverb

round

3 of 5 noun
1
: something (as a circle, globe, or ring) that is round
2
: a song in which three or four singers sing the same melody and words one after another at intervals
3
4
: an indirect or circling path
5
a
: a regularly covered route
a watchman's rounds
b
: a series of calls or stops regularly made
a doctor on her rounds in the hospital
6
: a drink apiece served at one time to each person in a group
7
: a series or cycle of repeated actions or events
opened a new round of disarmament talks
8
a
: one shot fired by a soldier or weapon
b
: ammunition for one shot
9
: a unit of play in a contest or game
a round of golf
10
: a cut of beef especially between the rump and the lower leg

round

4 of 5 verb
1
a
: to make or become round
b
: to pronounce a sound with rounding of the lips
2
: to go or pass around
rounded the curve
3
: to bring to completion
often used with off or out
4
: to express as a round number
especially : to drop any digits to the right of a given decimal place and increase the last remaining digit by 1 if the first dropped digit is 5 or greater
4.57268 rounded off to three decimal places is 4.573
5
: to follow a winding course

round

5 of 5 preposition
(ˈ)rau̇nd

Medical Definition

round

intransitive verb
: to go on rounds

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