around 1 used to say that something is placed or arranged so that it surrounds something else: The whole family were sitting around the dinner table chatting. She had a beautiful woollen shawl wrapped around her shoulders. 2 used to say that someone or something is moving in a circular movement: A few wolves were prowling around the deer's carcass. There are reports of a light aircraft flying around and around the Sears Tower. 3 in many places or parts of a particular area or place: We took a wander around the garden after breakfast. They have branches dotted around the country. all around: There were flowers all around the apartment, making it look more homely. 4 if someone or something is around a particular place, they are in or near that place: I think he lives somewhere around the centre of  own. Is there a bank around here? 5 if you move or go around something, you move around the side of it instead of going through or over it: If the gate is locked you'll have to go around the side of the house. 6 if something is organized around a particular person or thing, it is organized according to their needs, ideas, beliefs etc: Why does everything have to be organised around what Callum wants to do? Their whole society was built around their belief in their gods. 7 get around to avoid or solve a particular problem or difficult situation: How do we get around the problem of the new tax laws. 8 around 200/5000 etc used when guessing a number, amount etc: There must have been around 40,000 people in the stadium. around about: Most guests started to make their way home around about 10 o'clock. home english