Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ʊnd ɹˈɒbɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "round robin" may seem unusual, but it can be broken down phonetically as /raʊnd ˈrɒbɪn/. The first syllable "round" is pronounced with the vowel sound /aʊ/ as in "loud" or "house". The second syllable "robin" uses the short vowel sound /ɒ/ as in "lot" or "got". The term "round robin" typically refers to a tournament or competition in which each participant plays against every other participant.
Round robin is a term that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it refers to a system or arrangement in which all individuals or entities involved take turns in a predetermined sequence or order. The term finds its origins in the idea of a circular motion, resembling the circular path taken by a robin bird.
In sports or games, round robin refers to a tournament format in which each participant competes against every other participant. This ensures that every player has an equal opportunity to compete against each opponent, ensuring fairness. The matches are typically arranged in a predetermined sequence, where participants play against various opponents until a winner or top performers emerge.
In computer science and networking, round robin is a scheduling algorithm used to allocate resources or tasks among multiple entities in a cyclical manner. It aims to achieve fairness by ensuring that no entity is unfairly prioritized over others. For example, in a round robin CPU scheduling algorithm, each process is given equal time slices in a cyclic rotation, regardless of their priority or complexity.
In communication, round robin refers to a technique where multiple individuals or groups take turns speaking or addressing an audience, each having a chance to contribute or participate in a discussion. This method helps ensure that each participant's opinion or input is heard and valued, without any individual dominating the conversation.
Overall, round robin refers to a fair and equal distribution of opportunities or tasks among multiple participants in a predetermined sequence or order.
A written petition or memorial signed with the names arranged in a circle so as not to show who signed first.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "round robin" originates from the game of tennis. In tennis, players take turns hitting the ball in a circular pattern, often referred to as a "rotation". This rotation is similar to a robin bird hopping from one location to another. Eventually, this notion of equal participation and rotating order was applied to other contexts, leading to the use of the phrase "round robin" to describe a sequential tournament or competition where each participant performs in a predetermined order. Over time, "round robin" became a commonly used term to describe any equally shared, circular, or sequential activity.
