About — Defs

01 prep. Around; all round; on every side of.

1.
Around; all round; on every side of.
2.
In the immediate neighborhood of; in contiguity or proximity to; near, as to place; by or on (one's person).
3.
Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.
“Lampoons . . . were handed about the coffeehouses.” — Macaulay.

“Roving still about the world.” — Milton.
4.
Near; not far from; -- determining approximately time, size, quantity.
“He went out about the third hour.” — Matt. xx. 3.
5.
In concern with; engaged in; intent on.
“I must be about my Father's business.” — Luke ii. 49.
6.
On the point or verge of; going; in act of.Before a verbal noun or an infinitive:
“Paul was now aboutto open his mouth.” — Acts xviii. 14.
7.
Concerning; with regard to; on account of; touching.
“She must have her way about Sarah.” — Trollope.

02 adv. On all sides; around.

1.
On all sides; around.
“'Tis time to look about.” — Shak.
2.
In circuit; circularly; by a circuitous way; around the outside; as, a mile about, and a third of a mile across.
3.
Here and there; around; in one place and another.
“Wandering about from house to house.” — 1 Tim. v. 13.
4.
Nearly; approximately; with close correspondence, in quality, manner, degree, etc.; as, about as cold; about as high; -- also of quantity, number, time.
5.
To a reserved position; half round; in the opposite direction; on the opposite tack; as, to face about; to turn one's self about.

Phrases & compounds

To bring about — to cause to take place; to accomplish.

To come about — to occur; to take place. See under Come.

To go about — to undertake; to arrange; to prepare.

Round about — in every direction around.