come round
/kʌm raʊnd/
Meaning
This phrasal verb means to regain consciousness after fainting, passing out, or being under anesthesia. It is primarily used in British and Commonwealth English, while American English often uses 'come to.'
Examples
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After she fainted, it took her about a minute to come round.
After she fainted, it took her about a minute to come round.
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The patient is starting to come round after the surgery.
The patient is starting to come round after the surgery.
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Pour some water on his face to help him come round.
Pour some water on his face to help him come round.
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When I came round, I was lying on a hospital bed.
When I came round, I was lying on a hospital bed.
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We were relieved when he finally came round and recognized us.
We were relieved when he finally came round and recognized us.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I came round my health after the flu.
✓ I recovered my health... / I got over the flu...
Come round specifically means to wake up or regain consciousness after fainting, not to recover from a general illness over several days.
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✗ He came round to a doctor.
✓ He came round and saw a doctor.
Come round does not take a direct object with 'to' when it means regaining consciousness.
Related Expressions
Practice
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We waited anxiously for her to ___ after she fainted.
💡 To regain consciousness.
Show answer
come round
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The nurse waited by the bed until the patient began to ___.
💡 Regain consciousness after anesthesia.
Show answer
come round