Definition of the word roundhouse

The term "roundhouse" can be traced back to the early 19th century when it referred to a type of industrial building used to house large steam locomotives during repairs and maintenance. The shape of the building, which was typically circular in plan, allowed for easy maneuvering and rotation of the locomotives inside, as the turntable at the center of the roundhouse could be used to turn the engines around. The word "roundhouse" likely derives from the circular shape of these buildings, as well as the fact that they were often surrounded by train tracks, in a similar way that a blacksmith's forge would be surrounded by horseshoes waiting to be reshod. The term's use has since expanded beyond the railway industry to describe any circular structure, particularly one used for similar functions such as appliance repair or equestrian facilities.