around

"Around" is a very common and flexible word in English. It works as both a preposition and an adverb, and it has about 4–5 everyday meanings you will encounter all the time. Here are the most important ones.

When something is on all sides of something else, you can say it is 'around' it. Think of a fence that goes all the way around a garden — it surrounds it completely.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She wrapped a scarf around her neck to stay warm.

There is a wall around the old city.

2prepositionmoving in a circle or curve

When you move in a curved path or go to the other side of something, you go 'around' it. Imagine walking around a corner — you curve your path to get past it.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

We walked around the lake and came back to the start.

He peeked around the corner to see if anyone was there.

When you are not sure of an exact number or time, you can use 'around' to mean 'roughly' or 'about'. It signals that the number is close but not precise.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The meeting starts around 3 o'clock, so don't be too late.

There were around fifty people at the concert.

It costs around twenty dollars, but the price can vary.

4adverbin the area nearby / present

When someone or something is 'around', it means they are nearby or available in the general area. You might say a person is 'around' when they are somewhere close, even if you cannot see them at that exact moment.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Is your manager around? I need to ask her a question.

I'll be around all afternoon if you need help.

There were not many people around at that time of night.

5adverbin many directions / here and there

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The kids were running around the park all afternoon.

She looked around the room but could not find her keys.

He travels around a lot for his job.