Definitions

1. verb

to speak or describe something in a roundabout or evasive way, often in a way that is confusing or unclear

“The politician was accused of circumlocuting the question to avoid giving a straight answer.”

2. noun

the act of speaking or describing something in a roundabout or evasive way

“The politician’s circumlocution on the issue only added to the confusion.”

3. verb (archaic or poetic)

to speak in an indirect or circuitous manner

“In ancient literature, poets would often circumlocute the gods to avoid offending them.”