What does detour mean?
A detour is a departure from the usual, shortest, or intended route, typically made to avoid an obstacle such as roadworks, flooding, or an accident. The word functions as both a noun ('we took a detour') and a verb ('the bus detoured around the city centre'), and it extends naturally beyond travel: people speak of careers, plans, conversations, or life itself taking a detour when they veer off their expected course. Connotations are generally neutral — a detour is usually temporary and practical rather than permanent or deliberate, though it can suggest delay or inconvenience. The term entered English in the eighteenth century from French, where it derives from 'détour', meaning a turning away, built on Latin roots relating to turning. Because it applies equally to physical roads and metaphorical journeys, 'detour' is a versatile word useful in everyday navigation, journalism, and reflective writing alike.
A temporary alternative route taken to avoid an obstruction or closed section of a road.
"The motorway closure added a twenty-mile detour to our journey."
Commonly paired with verbs like 'make' or 'take'.
By extension, any indirect or unplanned departure from an intended course of action.
"Her degree took a brief detour into philosophy before she settled on medicine."
To take an alternative route in order to avoid something or to reach a destination indirectly.
"We had to detour through back streets because of the parade."
Regular plural; countable noun referring either to multiple physical diversions or multiple figurative deviations from a plan.
"The journey was full of unexpected detours."
The word 'detour' is one of those rare English words borrowed almost unchanged from French — literally 'a turning away' from your path.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of detour
The English word 'detour' was borrowed from French 'détour' (a turning aside), which derives from the Old French verb 'détourner', formed from Latin 'de-' (away from) plus a root related to 'tornare' (to turn). It entered English in the mid-to-late eighteenth century, initially in military and travel contexts describing an indirect route. Cognates include the French verbs 'tourner' and related Romance words built on the same Latin root of turning.
Related word forms
How detour is actually used
Neutral in register; used equally in everyday speech and formal contexts. In American English, 'detour' dominates over 'diversion'; in British English, 'diversion' is common on official road signs, though 'detour' remains widely understood. When used figuratively, it usually implies a temporary or unplanned deviation rather than a permanent change.
Easily confused with detour
'Diversion' is the more common British term for a road rerouted around an obstruction, while 'detour' is standard in both British and American English and can also describe any indirect route, literal or figurative.