detour
Americannoun
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a roundabout or circuitous way or course, especially one used temporarily when the main route is closed.
-
an indirect or roundabout procedure, path, etc.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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to cause to make a detour.
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to make a detour around.
We detoured Birmingham.
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of detour
1730–40 < French détour, Old French destor, derivative of destorner to turn aside, equivalent to des- de- + torner to turn
Explanation
A detour is a longer, less direct way to get where you're going. A traffic accident sometimes means you have to take a detour to get home. When signs direct drivers to take a detour, it's usually because of road work or an emergency that's blocking traffic. You can also detour, or take an unexpected route, while you're running errands, stopping at your favorite bakery for a cookie before you continue on. The French détour comes from the verb destorner, "turn aside."
Vocabulary lists containing detour
Achievement First 5th Grade IA 1 Words
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Barbara Bush (1925 - 2018) Tribute List
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Shiloh
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After the memoiristic detour of her previous album, the singer returns with a record of smart musical storytelling and sharply observed, often funny character studies.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
Researchers describe this history as an unusual evolutionary detour.
From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026
That means that ships will continue to take a detour from the prewar route that runs closer to the Iranian coastline and must be coordinated with Iran’s military External link.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
However, the 72-year-old was forced to take a detour after he was told about the burglary.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
I paused, torn: Head straight back to safety, or risk a detour to the nursery?
From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
