1. 1. On all sides: dirty clothes lying around.
   2. In close to all sides from all directions: a field bordered around with tall trees.
2. In a circle or with a circular motion: spun around twice.
3. In circumference or perimeter: a pond two miles around.
4. In succession or rotation: passed the collection plate around; seasons that rolled around each year.
5. In or toward the opposite direction or position: wheeled around to face the attacker.
6. 1. To or among various places; here and there: wander around.
   2. To a specific place: Come around again sometime.
7. In or near one's current location: waited around for the next flight.
8. From the beginning to the end: frigid weather the year around.
9. Approximately; about: weighed around 30 pounds; around $1.3 billion in debt.

1. On all sides of: trees around the field.
2. In such a position as to encircle or surround: a sash around the waist.
3. 1. Here and there within; throughout: on the political stump around the country.
   2. In the immediate vicinity of; near: She lives around Norfolk.
4. On or to the farther side of: the house around the corner.
5. So as to pass, bypass, or avoid: a way around an obstacle; got around the difficulty somehow.
6. Approximately at: woke up around seven.
7. In such a way as to have a basis or center in: an economy focused around farming and light industry.

1. Being in existence: Our old dog is no longer around.
2. Being in evidence; present: asked if the store manager was around.

been around Informal.

1. Had many and varied experiences; been experienced in the ways of the world: a young executive who has been around.

[Middle English : probably a-, in; see a-² + round, circle; see round¹.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.