01 n. The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.
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1.
The use of many words to express an idea that might be expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a periphrase.“the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would save abundance of time lost by circumlocution.” — Swift.
Phrases & compounds
Circumlocution office —
a term of ridicule for a governmental office where business is delayed by passing through the hands of different officials.