semicircle

[ sem-i-sur-kuhl ]

noun

1. Also called sem·i·cir·cum·fer·ence [sem-ee-ser-, kuhm, -fer-, uh, ns, -fr, uh, ns, sem-ahy-]. half of a circle; the arc from one end of a diameter to the other.
2. anything having or arranged in the form of a half of a circle.

semicircle

/ ˌsɛmɪˈsɜːkjʊlə; ˈsɛmɪˌsɜːkəl /

noun

1. 1. one half of a circle
   2. half the circumference of a circle
2. anything having the shape or form of half a circle

Derived Forms

• semicircular, adjective
• ˌsemiˈcircularly, adverb

Other Words From

• sem·i·cir·cu·lar [sem-i-, sur, -ky, uh, -ler], adjective
• semi·circu·lar·ly adverb
• semi·circu·lar·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of semicircle¹

From the Latin word sēmicirculus, dating back to 1520–30. See semi-, circle

Example Sentences

The institute’s report envisioned the town center as a semicircle of new buildings forming a quad with Building 13.

From Los Angeles Times

What little hair he had left formed a semicircle of white bristle that started above his ears and met somewhere in the back.

From Literature

The Vatican released photos of the encounter, showing the relatives of the several of the hostages sitting in a semicircle in front of Francis in his private library in the Apostolic Palace.

From Seattle Times

The Vatican released photos of the encounter, showing relatives of several of the hostages sitting in a semicircle in front of Francis in his private library in the Apostolic Palace.

From Seattle Times

At the southern tip of the semicircle lies the village of Robotyne.

From New York Times