Dictionary

Moving around; astir.

Example: After my bout with Guillan-Barre Syndrome, it took me 6 months to be up and about again.

In existence; being in evidence; apparent.

Example: This idea has been about for a while but has only recently become fashionable.

Near; in the vicinity or neighbourhood.

Example: I had my keys just a minute ago, so they must be about somewhere.

On all sides; around.

Example: I looked about at the scenery that surrounded me.

Here and there; around; in one place and another; up and down.

Example: Bits of old machinery were lying about.

From one place or position to another in succession; indicating repeated movement or activity.

Example: walking about;  rushing about;  jumping about;  thrashing about

Indicating unproductive or unstructured activity.

Example: messing about;  fooling about;  loafing about

In a circle around; all round; on every side of; on the outside of.

Example: The snake was coiled about his ankle.

Over or upon different parts of; through or over in various directions; here and there in; to and fro in; throughout.

Example: He was well known about town.

Indicates that something will happen very soon; indicates a plan or intention to do something.

Concerning; with regard to; on account of; on the subject of; to affect.

Example: He talked a lot about his childhood.