1 A2 neutral
To give an object to each person in a group in turn, moving it from one to the next.
"She passed round the birthday cake so everyone could have a slice."
separable
pass round
A2 neutral separable transitive
To distribute something among a group by giving it from one person to the next in turn.
In plain English
To give something to every person in a group, one by one.
What does "pass round" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
(informal) To spread information or gossip among a group.
"Someone has been passing round a rumour about the new manager."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move something around a circular group.
Actually means
To give something to every person in a group, one by one.
Usage tip
The standard British English equivalent of 'pass around'. Common in everyday social and classroom contexts. Can be used for physical objects and, informally, for information or gossip.
Words that pair with "pass round"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plate dish photo bottle paper collection tin
How to conjugate "pass round"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pass round
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes round
he/she/it
Past simple
passed round
yesterday
Past participle
passed round
have + pp
-ing form
passing round
continuous
Hear "pass round" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pass round" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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