around

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   imprecise but fairly close to correct, usually referring to quantities

   The pot had around a litre of water in it.

2. 2
   adv

   in circumference

   the trunk is ten feet around

3. 3
   adv

   by a circular or circuitous route

   You came all the way around the base.

4. 4
   adv

   in a circle or circular motion

   The wheels are spinning around

5. 5
   adv

   all around or on all sides

   dirty clothes lying around (or about)

6. 6
   adv

   to a particular destination either specified or understood

   They came around to see me.

7. 7
   prep

   Forming a circle or closed curve containing (something).

   She wore a gold chain around her neck.

8. 8
   prep

   Centred upon; surrounding; regarding.

   We could use some clarification around the new rules.

Etymology

From Middle English around, arounde, from a- (from Old English a- (“on, at”)) + Middle English round (“circle, round”) borrowed from French, equivalent to a- + round. Cognate with Scots aroond, aroon (“around”). Displaced earlier Middle English umbe, embe (“around”) (from Old English ymbe (“around”)).