1 B1 informal
To make a series of phone calls to several different people or organizations to find information, compare options, or spread news.
"I'll ring around a few garages to find out who can fix it cheapest."
inseparable
ring around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To phone several different people or places in succession, usually to find information or arrange something.
In plain English
To phone lots of different people one after another to find out something or arrange something.
What does "ring around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To phone several people in your social or professional network to inform them of something.
"She rang around all her relatives to let them know about the new baby."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ring (call) in a circle — contacting people all around.
Actually means
To phone lots of different people one after another to find out something or arrange something.
Usage tip
Chiefly British and Australian English. American speakers typically say 'call around'. Very practical in everyday contexts — finding a plumber, comparing prices, informing friends of news.
Words that pair with "ring around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friends hospitals garages insurance companies hotels shops
How to conjugate "ring around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ring around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rings around
he/she/it
Past simple
rang around
yesterday
Past participle
rung around
have + pp
-ing form
ringing around
continuous
Hear "ring around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ring around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "ring around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.