Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Circumlocutory · Cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry · IPA /sɝ.kəm.loʊˈkjuː.tɚ.i/ 01 a. Characterised by circumlocution; periphrastic. 1. Characterised by circumlocution; periphrastic. “The officials set to work in regular circumlocutory order.” — Chambers's Journal.