circular

American  

[sur-kyuh-ler] / ˈsɜr kyə lər /

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.

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noun

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

   Synonyms:

   leaflet, flier, handbill

circular British  

/ 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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

• circularity noun
• circularly adverb
• circularness noun
• noncircular adjective
• noncircularly adverb
• subcircular adjective
• subcircularly adverb
• uncircular adjective
• uncircularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of circular

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

Smoke poured through a small circular window, which had just been opened.

From Literature

"We are working with our friends in the German government to establish a 'circular' migration model."

From BBC

Earlier Monday, Air Canada issued its 2026 management proxy circular, which included a letter to shareholders, signed by Rousseau and airline Chairman Vagn Sorensen, spelling out achievements in the past year and goals for 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal

Inside these structures, tiny magnetic moments, which behave like miniature compass needles, align in circular patterns.

From Science Daily

In its 2025 management-proxy circular, the company said six of the seven members of its executive committee are bilingual, and Rousseau “has continued to act on his personal pledge to learn French.”

From The Wall Street Journal