circle

[ sur-kuhl ]

noun

1. a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: x 2 + y 2 = r 2 .
2. the portion of a plane bounded by such a curve.
3. any circular or ringlike object, formation, or arrangement:

   a circle of dancers.

   Synonyms: corona, halo, ring

4. a ring, circlet, or crown.
5. the ring of a circus.
6. a section of seats in a theater:

   dress circle.

7. the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere:

   A politician has a wide circle of influence.

8. a series ending where it began, especially when perpetually repeated; cycle:

   the circle of the year.

9. Logic. an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion or its equivalent as a premise; vicious circle.
10. a complete series forming a connected whole; cycle:

    the circle of the sciences.

11. a number of persons bound by a common tie; coterie:

    a literary circle;

    a family circle.

12. Government. an administrative division, especially of a province.
13. Geography. a parallel of latitude.
14. Astronomy.
    1. (formerly) the orbit of a heavenly body.
    2. meridian circle.
15. Surveying. a glass or metal disk mounted concentrically with the spindle of a theodolite or level and graduated so that the angle at which the alidade is set may be read.
16. a sphere or orb:

    the circle of the earth.

17. a ring of light in the sky; halo.

verb (used with object)

, cir·cled, cir·cling.

1. to enclose in a circle; surround; encircle:

   Circle the correct answer on the exam paper.

   The enemy circled the hill.

2. to move in a circle or circuit around; rotate or revolve around:

   He circled the house cautiously.

3. to change course so as to pass by or avoid collision with; bypass; evade:

   The ship carefully circled the iceberg.

verb (used without object)

, cir·cled, cir·cling.

1. to move in a circle or circuit:

   The plane circled for half an hour before landing.

2. Movies, Television. to iris (usually followed by in or out ).

circle

/ ˈsɜːkəl /

noun

1. maths a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation: ( x –h )² + ( y –k )² = r ² where r is the radius and ( h, k ) are the coordinates of the centre; area πr²; circumference: 2π r
2. the figure enclosed by such a curve
3. theatre the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle
4. something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle
5. a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc; set

   a family circle

   golf circles

6. a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence
7. a circuit
8. a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle
9. a parallel of latitude See also great circle small circle
10. the ring of a circus
11. one of a number of Neolithic or Bronze Age rings of standing stones, such as Stonehenge, found in Europe and thought to be associated with some form of ritual or astronomical measurement
12. hockey See striking circle
13. a circular argument See vicious circle
14. come full circle
    to arrive back at one's starting point See also vicious circle
15. go round in circles or run round in circles
    to engage in energetic but fruitless activity

verb

1. to move in a circle (around)

   we circled the city by car

2. tr to enclose in a circle; encircle

circle

/ sûr′kəl /

1. A closed curve whose points are all on the same plane and at the same distance from a fixed point (the center).

Derived Forms

• ˈcircler, noun

Other Words From

• circler noun
• inter·circle verb (used with object) intercircled intercircling
• re·circle verb recircled recircling
• un·circled adjective
• under·circle verb (used with object) undercircled undercircling
• under·circle noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of circle¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English cercle (from Old French cercle), Old English circul, both from Latin circulus, equivalent to circ(us) “circle, circular course, orbit” + -ulus diminutive ending; circus, -ule )

Word History and Origins

Origin of circle¹

C14: from Latin circulus a circular figure, from circus ring, circle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. circle the wagons,
   1. (in the early U.S. West) to form the wagons of a covered-wagon train into a circle for defensive purposes, as against Indian attack.
   2. Slang. to prepare for an all-out, unaided defensive fight:

      The company has circled the wagons since its market share began to decline.

More idioms and phrases containing circle

see full circle ; go around (in circles) ; run around (in circles) ; run rings (circles) around ; vicious circle .

Synonym Study

Circle, club, coterie, set, society are terms applied to restricted social groups. A circle may be a little group; in the plural it often suggests a whole section of society interested in one mode of life, occupation, etc.: a sewing circle; a language circle; in theatrical circles. Club implies an association with definite requirements for membership and fixed dues: an athletic club. Coterie suggests a little group closely and intimately associated because of congeniality: a literary coterie. Set refers to a number of persons of similar background, interests, etc., somewhat like a clique ( ring ¹ ) but without disapproving connotations; however, it often implies wealth or interest in social activities: the country club set. A society is a group associated to further common interests of a cultural or practical kind: a Humane Society.

Example Sentences

Vega was turning left into a parking lot at Sherman Circle when the driver of the Mercedes-Benz struck the right side of his vehicle, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

From Los Angeles Times

The principal of Beverly Hills High School told students they could no longer ‘congregate, circle up, shout, jump, etc.,’ according to a message sent out to parents and students.

From Los Angeles Times

The Moon's orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle - in fact it is elliptical, meaning its distance from Earth at any given time will vary.

From BBC

But the report quickly raised fears in the context of harsh criticism by Trump and those in his inner circle of “woke generals” — a catchall phrase for those who are derided for allegedly promoting diversity and inclusion at the expense of military readiness.

From Los Angeles Times

“The circle of people who will tell Musk the truth and be honest is a lot smaller than it was when he was building Tesla,” said Schiffer.

From Slate

Related Words

• encircle
• rotate
• surround
• whirl