round robin

or round-robin

noun

1. a sequence or series.
2. a petition, remonstrance, or the like, having the signatures arranged in circular form so as to disguise the order of signing.
3. a letter, notice, or the like, circulated from person to person in a group, often with individual comments being added by each.
4. Sports. a tournament in which all of the entrants play each other at least once, failure to win a contest not resulting in elimination.

round robin

noun

1. a letter, esp a petition or protest, having the signatures in a circle in order to disguise the order of signing
2. any letter or petition signed by a number of people
3. a tournament, as in a competitive game or sport, in which each player plays against every other player

Word History and Origins

Origin of round robin¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Britain are aiming to top Group D in the four-nation round robin and secure a place in the Davis Cup Finals last eight in Malaga later this year.

From BBC

Gunn was swept out of the round robin portion of the women’s breaking competition on Friday, with the judges scoring each of her three bouts 18-0 in favor of her opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a round robin beach volleyball tournament in which the University of Washington plays the University of Oregon, Boise State and Georgia State.

From Seattle Times

While Rublev was virtually eliminated after losing both of his opening matches, Alcaraz boosted his chances of advancing from the round robin stage at the season-ending event for the year’s top eight players.

From Seattle Times

Alcaraz can still hope to advance from the round robin format, with the top two finishers in each four-man group reaching the semifinals.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• consultation
• discussion
• forum
• interview
• meeting
• seminar
• symposium
• talk