all-round

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From all +‎ round, initially “everywhere” (1728), “versatile” from 1867.[1]

Pronunciation

  • enPR: äl′-round′
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈɑlˌɹaʊnd/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adjective

all-round

  1. Having a wide scope, comprehensive.
    Synonym: comprehensive
  2. Having many skills, versatile. [from 1867]
    Synonyms: (US, Canada) all-around, well-rounded, versatile
    • 2018 July 15, Jonathan Jurejko, “Novak Djokovic wins fourth Wimbledon by beating Kevin Anderson”, in BBC Sport[1]:
      While reaching last year's US Open final showed he possesses an all-round game, Anderson's biggest weapon remains his serve - which he lost in the opening game against Djokovic with a double fault on break point.
  3. All around, in every surrounding place.
    • 1955 January, R. S. McNaught, “From the Severn to the Mersey by Great Western”, in Railway Magazine, page 21:
      Then we pass through Bebington station, and, entering a cutting, become aware of the usual signs of approach to an urban area—buildings closing in, an all-round increase in smokiness, and the application of brakes.

Derived terms

Translations

References

  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2025) “all-round”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.