roundhouse

American  

[round-hous] / ˈraʊndˌhaʊs /

noun

plural

roundhouses

1. a building for the servicing and repair of locomotives, built around a turntable in the form of some part of a circle.

2. Nautical. a cabin on the after part of a quarterdeck.

3. Slang. a punch in which the arm is typically brought straight out to the side or rear of the body and in which the fist describes an exaggerated circular motion.

4. Also called round trip.  Pinochle. a meld of one king and queen of each suit.

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roundhouse British  

/ ˈraʊndˌhaʊs /

noun

1. a circular building in which railway locomotives are serviced or housed, radial tracks being fed by a central turntable

2. slang boxing

   1. a swinging punch or style of punching

   2. ( as modifier )

      a roundhouse style

3. pinochle a meld of all four kings and queens

4. an obsolete word for jail

5. obsolete a cabin on the quarterdeck of a sailing ship

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Etymology

Origin of roundhouse

First recorded in 1580–90; round ¹ + house

Example Sentences

He left the Air Force in 1962 and set up a martial arts studio in Los Angeles, finding his calling in teaching and delivering roundhouse kicks.

From Barron's

Come the end of the tournament that combination was still clicking, with France trailing by a point deep into the second half against England, Dupont's roundhouse box kick set up Bielle-Biarrey's fourth try.

From BBC

Further samples in the coming months will determine if the cistern dates back to the same period as the roundhouses.

From BBC

They learn to throw straight punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes and roundhouse kicks.

From Los Angeles Times

Celtic roundhouses and a prince's court are among the ancient buildings found in this green and quiet corner of the capital.

From BBC

Related Words

• bat
• blow
• punch
• shot
• swing