go-round: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “go-round” mean?
A complete cycle or rotation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complete cycle or rotation; one turn in a repetitive series or process.
An instance of participating in an event or activity, often used for fairground rides, arguments, or repeated procedures; also can mean a sufficient quantity to serve everyone present.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses "go round" more commonly in the sense of 'to be sufficient' ("Is there enough cake to go round?"). American English slightly favors "go around" for the phrasal verb but uses "go-round" equally for the noun (fairground).
Connotations
In both varieties, it can imply a repetitive, sometimes tiresome, cycle (e.g., "the same old go-round"). In British English, the "sufficiency" sense is everyday and neutral.
Frequency
More frequent in spoken language than formal writing. The noun form is less common than the verbal usage.
Grammar
How to Use “go-round” in a Sentence
[Have/Get/Another] + go-round + [on/with/about]Enough + to + go roundVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go-round” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The children queued for a second go-round on the carousel.
- After another go-round with the council, we got our planning permission.
American English
- He struck out in his first go-round at bat.
- The meeting was just a rehash of last year's go-round.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informally used for repetitive meetings or processes: "We're in for another budgeting go-round."
Academic
Rare; may appear in social sciences describing cyclical events.
Everyday
Common for fairground rides and describing repeated arguments: "The kids wanted another go-round on the slide."
Technical
Used in mechanics or physics informally for rotations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go-round”
- Confusing 'go-round' (noun) with 'go round' (verb). Incorrect: "Let's go-round the park." Correct: "Let's go round the park."
- Overusing the hyphen in verb forms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Go-round' (hyphenated) is a noun meaning one cycle or turn. 'Go round' (two words) is a verb phrase meaning to revolve, circulate, or be sufficient.
No, it is primarily used in informal and spoken contexts.
Yes, but informally, to describe a repetitive cycle of discussions or procedures (e.g., 'another go-round of negotiations').
"Merry-go-round" is the most fixed and common collocation, referring to the fairground ride.
A complete cycle or rotation.
Go-round: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ ˌraʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ ˌraʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Merry-go-round”
- “Enough to go round”
- “Another go-round (with someone)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GOing ROUND and ROUND on a carousel – one complete GO-ROUND.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/ARGUMENTS ARE CIRCULAR RIDES (repetitive, cyclical).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'Is there enough tea to go round?' means: