put about: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, with specific technical use in maritime contexts.
Quick answer
What does “put about” mean?
To spread information, rumours, or news, especially false or misleading ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To spread information, rumours, or news, especially false or misleading ones.
1. (Maritime/Nautical) To change a ship's direction; to tack. 2. (Archaic/BE) To cause inconvenience or trouble to someone. 3. (Rare/Informal) To be visibly upset or distressed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'spread information' meaning is common in both, but the 'cause trouble/inconvenience' sense ('Sorry to put you about') is predominantly British/Irish. The maritime term is internationally understood in sailing contexts.
Connotations
In the 'rumour' sense, often implies deliberate or mischievous spreading. In the 'trouble' sense (BE), it is often used in polite apology.
Frequency
More commonly used in British English for both main senses. In American English, alternatives like 'spread (around)' or 'circulate' are often preferred for the rumour sense.
Grammar
How to Use “put about” in a Sentence
[Someone] puts about [a rumour/story]It is put about that [clause][A rumour] is being put aboutVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “put about” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Someone has been putting about a nasty story that the company is failing.
- The yacht put about swiftly to avoid the submerged rocks.
- I hope the delay didn't put you about too much.
American English
- A false rumor was put about concerning the CEO's resignation.
- The skipper ordered the crew to put about immediately.
- (The 'inconvenience' sense is rarely used in AmE.)
adverb
British English
- No adverbial form.
American English
- No adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form.
- The 'put-about' ship altered course.
- He looked a bit put-about by the accusations.
American English
- No standard adjectival form.
- The 'put-about' vessel headed north.
- (Rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal reports; used informally to describe the spread of market rumours or internal gossip.
Academic
Uncommon except in historical or media studies discussing rumor propagation.
Everyday
Used in conversation about gossip, rumours, or false information.
Technical
Standard term in sailing/navigation for changing a vessel's direction.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “put about”
- Using it for a single instance of telling (e.g., 'He put about the news to me' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'put out' (which can mean 'extinguish' or 'inconvenience').
- Using 'put about' to mean 'approximately' (confusion with 'round about').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its primary meaning related to rumours is informal. The maritime meaning is a standard technical term.
'Put about' often implies the information is of questionable truth and is being actively circulated, while 'spread' is more neutral and general.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'A rumour is being put about.' 'It was put about that he was ill.'
Yes, but it's less common than the 'rumour' sense and has a somewhat old-fashioned or regional feel, still heard in phrases like 'I don't want to put you about.'
To spread information, rumours, or news, especially false or misleading ones.
Put about: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʊt əˈbaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʊt əˈbaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put it about (that)... (to spread a specific story)”
- “put yourself about (BE informal: to socialize or be promiscuous - distinct phrasal verb)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a rumour being PUT into the world so it can go ABOUT town.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT (that can be put into circulation). GOSSIP IS A CONTAGION (that is spread about).
Practice
Quiz
In a sailing context, what does 'put about' mean?