traffic roundabout

Meaning

A 'traffic roundabout' (often just called a 'roundabout') is a circular intersection where drivers travel in one direction around a central island. It is designed to keep traffic flowing without the need for traffic lights. It is highly common in Europe, the UK, and increasingly in North America.

Examples

• Take the second exit at the traffic roundabout to stay on the main highway.

  Take the second exit at the traffic roundabout to stay on the main highway.

• Driving through a busy traffic roundabout can be stressful for tourists.

  Driving through a busy traffic roundabout can be stressful for tourists.

• The GPS told us to turn right after the traffic roundabout.

  The GPS told us to turn right after the traffic roundabout.

• There is a beautiful fountain in the middle of the traffic roundabout.

  There is a beautiful fountain in the middle of the traffic roundabout.

• Yield to the cars already inside the traffic roundabout before you enter.

  Yield to the cars already inside the traffic roundabout before you enter.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Turn left at the traffic circle point.

  ✓ Turn left at the traffic roundabout.

  'Circle point' is not a term used in English. Use 'roundabout' or 'traffic circle'.

• ✗ Go inside the roundabout and stop to let other cars enter.

  ✓ Go inside the roundabout and keep driving; cars entering must yield to you.

  In a roundabout, traffic already inside has the right of way; stopping inside is dangerous and incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• When you reach the ___, take the third exit toward the city center.

  💡 A circular road junction.

  Show answer

  traffic roundabout

• Many European cities use a ___ instead of traffic lights to manage intersections.

  💡 A circular intersection designed to keep cars moving.

  Show answer

  traffic roundabout