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encircle

verb

en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
en-
encircled; encircling; encircles
Synonyms of encirclenext

transitive verb

1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to pass completely around
encirclement noun

Examples of encircle in a Sentence

A crowd of reporters encircled the mayor. communication satellites encircling the earth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pokrovsk has become the epicenter of fighting, with Russian forces attempting to encircle the city. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025 Astronomers have unveiled a stunning new gallery of dusty rings encircling young stars, revealing the intricate architecture of developing planetary systems. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025 The petite piece is designed to mimic the heraldic badge of the Prince of Wales, with its trio of ostrich feathers encircled by a coronet, accented by tiny rubies and emeralds and all surrounded by an impressive cluster of diamonds. Clara Strunck, Glamour, 3 Dec. 2025 Or better yet, lace up your skates and glide along the charming rink at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, encircled by wooden chalets and the smell of Nutella crepes. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for encircle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enserclen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encircle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

encircle

verb
en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to go completely around
encirclement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encircle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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