1 B2 neutral
To turn around quickly and sharply, usually with the whole body, to face a different direction.
"She wheeled around to find her boss standing right behind her."
inseparable
wheel around
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To turn quickly and sharply to face a new direction; or to move someone or something in a wheeled vehicle or on wheels.
In plain English
To quickly turn around to face the other way; or to push someone in a wheelchair or trolley.
What does "wheel around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To push someone or something around in a wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair or trolley.
"The nurse wheeled the patient around the ward for some fresh air."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move in a circular path like a wheel turning.
Actually means
To quickly turn around to face the other way; or to push someone in a wheelchair or trolley.
Usage tip
In the intransitive sense (turning), it often describes a dramatic or sudden body movement, common in narrative writing. In the transitive sense, it refers to physically moving something on wheels.
Words that pair with "wheel around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
patient trolley cart wheelchair horse body
How to conjugate "wheel around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wheel around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wheels around
he/she/it
Past simple
wheeled around
yesterday
Past participle
wheeled around
have + pp
-ing form
wheeling around
continuous
Hear "wheel around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wheel around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.