about

preposition

1. In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of; around. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}

   “The snake was coiled about his ankle.”

2. Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.

   “Rubbish was strewn about the place.”

3. Indicates that something will happen very soon; indicates a plan or intention to do something. See about to. On the point or verge of.

4. See about to.

adverb

1. On all sides, or in every or any direction from a point; around.

   “I looked about at the scenery that surrounded me.”

2. Here and there; around; in one place and another; up and down.

   “Bits of old machinery were lying about.”

3. From one place or position to another in succession; indicating repeated movement or activity.

   “walking about; rushing about; jumping about; thrashing about”

4. Indicating unproductive or unstructured activity.

   “messing about; fooling about; loafing about”

adjective

1. Moving around or in motion; astir.

   “out and about; up and about”

2. In existence; being in evidence; apparent.

   “This idea has been about for a while but has only recently become fashionable.”

3. Near; in the vicinity or neighbourhood.

   “I had my keys just a minute ago, so they must be about somewhere.”

verb

1. To change the course of (a ship) to the other tack; to bring (a ship) about.

2. To about-face (turn 180 degrees, like a soldier).