What does roundtrip mean?
A roundtrip is a journey that begins in one place, continues to another, and eventually returns to its starting point. The term is especially common when discussing air, rail, and other long-distance travel, where it can refer both to the complete journey and to a ticket or fare covering the outward and return legs. As an adjective, “roundtrip” identifies an arrangement involving travel in both directions: a roundtrip fare may cost less than two separate one-way tickets. It can also function as a verb, although this use is less frequent. The expression suggests efficiency, economy, and the return to the point of departure rather than a mere visit or one-way movement. Both the closed form, “roundtrip,” and the open form, “round trip,” are established, with punctuation and spacing varying according to editorial style. The word is particularly useful when the central point is that both halves of the journey are covered by one arrangement.
A journey to another place and back again; also, a ticket or fare allowing travel in both directions.
"We booked a roundtrip that left early on Friday and returned on Sunday evening."
The ticket sense is especially common in travel and hospitality contexts.
Involving travel to a destination and back again.
"The airline offered a roundtrip fare for travel before Friday."
Common in transportation, hospitality, business, and tourism.
To travel to a destination and back again.
"They roundtripped to the regional office twice that month."
This use is less common than the noun and adjective and is especially associated with travel contexts.
Both “round trips” and “roundtrips” are standard, reflecting the two accepted compound styles.
"The charity covered three round trips for volunteers visiting the hospital."
One roundtrip has two legs, but it can have just one ticket.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roundtrip come from?
“Roundtrip” is a compound of the English words “round” and “trip,” combining the ideas of returning to the starting point and making a journey. “Round” ultimately derives from Latin through French, while “trip” comes through Old French and originally referred to running or traveling. The compound became established in the 19th century and has appeared both as an open compound and in the closed form now widely used.
Related word forms
How roundtrip is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English, especially in travel and business contexts. It may be written as one word, “roundtrip,” or as an open compound, “round trip”; hyphenation varies with house style. The verb is less common than the noun and adjective.
Easily confused with roundtrip
A return generally describes the journey or ticket for traveling back, whereas a roundtrip covers both the outward and return portions.