1 A2 neutral
To give an object to each person in a group in turn.
"The teacher passed around a handout for the students to read."
separable
pass around
A2 neutral separable transitive
To distribute something among a group of people by giving it from one person to the next.
In plain English
To give something to everyone in a group, one person at a time.
What does "pass around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To spread information, a rumour, or a link among a group of people.
"Someone passed around a funny video and soon the whole office had seen it."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move something around a circle or group of people.
Actually means
To give something to everyone in a group, one person at a time.
Usage tip
Very common in both British and American English. Used for physical objects (food, papers, a book) and sometimes for abstract things (a rumour, an idea). 'Pass round' is the preferred British variant.
Words that pair with "pass around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plate leaflet petition photo bottle document
How to conjugate "pass around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pass around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
passes around
he/she/it
Past simple
passed around
yesterday
Past participle
passed around
have + pp
-ing form
passing around
continuous
Hear "pass around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pass around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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