traffic circle

noun

1. a circular arrangement constructed at the intersection of two or more roads in order to facilitate the passage of vehicles from one road to another.

traffic circle

noun

1. a road junction in which traffic streams circulate around a central island Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)roundabout

Word History and Origins

Origin of traffic circle¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The insurgents had observed the American convoys long enough to know the vehicles tended to bunch together as they approached the large traffic circle at the southern gates to the city, forming an attractive target.

From Washington Post

They would be located on lots very close to the busy traffic circle at the entrance to Rehoboth.

From Washington Blade

One old-timer plastered his truck with a banner that read “Go Away” and drove around and around a traffic circle.

From Outside Online

A roundabout is not the same as a rotary, which is also known as a traffic circle.

From Freakonomics

Related Words

• roundabout