around

A2
Pronunciation
/əˈɹaʊnd/
/əˈɹaʊnd/
Adjective
2 definition(s)
1 Definition

(with the verb "to be") Present in the vicinity.

Example Sentences
  • Is Clare around today?
2 Definition

(with the verb "to be") Alive; existing.

Example Sentences
  • "How is old Bob? I heard that his health is failing."  "Oh, he's still around. He's feeling better now."
Adverb
8 definition(s)
1 Definition

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

Example Sentences
  • High above, vultures circled around.
2 Definition

So as to surround or be near.

Example Sentences
  • Everybody please gather around.
3 Definition

Nearly; approximately; about.

Example Sentences
  • An adult elephant weighs around five tons.
4 Definition

From place to place.

Example Sentences
  • Look around and see what you find.
5 Definition

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

Example Sentences
  • He used to stay up late but his new girlfriend changed that around.
6 Definition

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

Example Sentences
  • She spun around a few times.
7 Definition

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

Example Sentences
  • I asked around, and no-one really liked it.
8 Definition

Used with certain verbs to suggest unproductive activity.

Preposition
6 definition(s)
1 Definition

Defining a circle or closed curve containing a thing.

Example Sentences
  • I planted a row of lilies around the statue.
2 Definition

(of abstract things) Centred upon; surrounding.

Example Sentences
  • There has been a lot of controversy around the handling of personal information.
3 Definition

Following the perimeter of a specified area and returning to the starting point.

Example Sentences
  • She went around the track fifty times.
4 Definition

Following a path which curves near an object, with the object on the inside of the curve.

Example Sentences
  • The road took a brief detour around the large rock formation, then went straight on.
5 Definition

Near; in the vicinity of.

Example Sentences
  • I don't want you around me.
6 Definition

At or to various places within.

Example Sentences
  • She went around the office and got everyone to sign the card.