round-robin

noun

round-rob·​in ˈrau̇nd-ˌrä-bən How to pronounce round-robin (audio)
Synonyms of round-robinnext
1
a
: a written petition, memorial, or protest to which the signatures are affixed in a circle so as not to indicate who signed first
b
: a statement signed by several persons
c
: something (such as a letter) sent in turn to the members of a group each of whom signs and forwards it sometimes after adding comment
2
: roundtable sense 1
3
: a tournament in which every contestant meets every other contestant in turn
4
: series, round

Synonyms of round-robin

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Examples of round-robin in a Sentence

a round-robin to discuss the epidemic of performance-enhancing drugs plaguing professional sports
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After the round-robin games on the half sheet were completed, the championship game was played on full ice. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026 Every team was guaranteed at least three World Cup matches in the group-stage round-robin that determined who advanced to the knockout rounds. — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 6 July 2026 The early-season tournament will see the Yellow Jackets face Cincinnati, Illinois and Tennessee in a round-robin format. — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 25 June 2026 The 2026 men’s World Cup group stage consists of 12 groups of four competing in round-robin competition, an increase of 16 teams from the last men’s World Cup. — Boston Herald, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for round-robin

Word History

Etymology

from the name Robin

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of round-robin was in 1698

Rhymes for round-robin

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Browse Nearby Words

round pompano
round-robin
Round Rock
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Cite this Entry

“Round-robin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/round-robin. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

round-robin

noun
ˈrau̇n-ˌdräb-ən
1
: a letter (as of protest) whose signers put their signatures in a circle so the receiver cannot tell who signed first
2
: a tournament in which every contestant plays once against every other contestant
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