circular

[ sur-kyuh-ler ]

adjective

1. having the form of a circle; round:

   a circular tower.

2. of or relating to a circle:

   a circular plane.

3. moving in or forming a circle or a circuit:

   the circular rotation of the earth.

4. moving or occurring in a cycle or round:

   the circular succession of the seasons.

5. roundabout; indirect; circuitous:

   a circular route.

6. Logic. of or relating to reasoning in which the conclusion is ostensibly proved, but in actuality it or its equivalent has been assumed as a premise.
7. pertaining to a circle or set of persons.
8. (of a letter, memorandum, etc.) addressed to a number of persons or intended for general circulation.

noun

1. Also circ []. a letter, advertisement, notice, or statement for circulation among the general public.

   Synonyms: leaflet, flier, handbill

circular

/ ˈsɜːkjʊlə; ˌsɜːkjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, involving, resembling, or shaped like a circle
2. circuitous
3. (of arguments) futile because the truth of the premises cannot be established independently of the conclusion
4. travelling or occurring in a cycle
5. (of letters, announcements, etc) intended for general distribution

noun

1. a printed or duplicated advertisement or notice for mass distribution

Derived Forms

• circularity, noun
• ˈcircularly, adverb

Other Words From

• cir·cu·lar·i·ty [sur-ky, uh, -, lar, -i-tee], cir·cu·lar·ness noun
• cir·cu·lar·ly adverb
• non·cir·cu·lar adjective
• non·cir·cu·lar·ly adverb
• sub·cir·cu·lar adjective
• sub·cir·cu·lar·ly adverb
• un·cir·cu·lar adjective
• un·cir·cu·lar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of circular¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circulāris, equivalent to circul(us), circlus “a circular form or figure; a ring or circle” + -āris adjective suffix; circle, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

The Democratic circular firing squad is already in full effect, but one of the questions party leaders in California should ask themselves is if retelling their version of Proposition 187 ad nauseum has rendered its lessons ineffectual.

From Los Angeles Times

They brought the scooter here with the stunt coordinator, and we went out on a circular driveway.

From Los Angeles Times

"No member is allowed to be in possession of a cell phone whilst on duty. Cell phones should only be used during break and lunch times," reads the circular.

From BBC

It’s not exactly a morbid mood inside the small, circular library of Wainwright’s home in Laurel Canyon, the October sun shining warmly on the bear rug and floor-to-ceiling books — but the conversation does begin with death.

From Los Angeles Times

No wonder it feels so circular; no wonder we’re so tired of doing the same things.

From Slate