circus

cir·cus

noun, often attributive \ˈsər-kəs\

Definition of CIRCUS

1

a : a large arena enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used especially for sports or spectacles (as athletic contests, exhibitions of horsemanship, or in ancient times chariot racing) b : a public spectacle

2

a : an arena often covered by a tent and used for variety shows usually including feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns b : a circus performance c : the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus d : something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle) <a media circus>

3

a obsolete : circle, ring b British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets

— cir·cusy \-kə-sē\ adjective

Examples of CIRCUS

1. He worked for a small circus.
2. We're going to the circus.

Origin of CIRCUS

Middle English, from Latin, circle, circus — more at circle

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CIRCUS

Synonyms: bowl, stadium, coliseum, colosseum

Related Words: ballpark, park; gym, gymnasium, spa; arena, dome, hippodrome

Near Antonyms: arcadia, heaven, paradise, utopia; order, orderliness, organization; calm, lull, peace, respite; hush, quiet, silence, stillness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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