Definition of circle
(Entry 1 of 2)
b : a closed plane (see plane entry 6 sense 2b) curve every point of which is equidistant (see equidistant sense 1) from a fixed point within the curve
c : the plane surface bounded by such a curve
2 archaic : the orbit of a celestial body
3 : something in the form of a circle or section of a circle: such as
a : diadem
b : an instrument of astronomical observation the graduated (see graduated sense 2a) limb of which consists of an entire circle
c : a balcony or tier of seats in a theater
d : a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through it
circle of latitude
e : rotary sense 2 Traffic slowed down around the circle.
4 : an area of action or influence : realm within the circle of probability
b : fallacious reasoning in which something to be demonstrated is covertly assumed
6 : a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center
the sewing circle of her church family circle the gossip of court circles political, social, and literary circles
7 : a territorial or administrative division or district
The province is divided into nine circles.
8 : a curving side street
lived on Kimberly Circle
9 : a circular course or path
The children ran in circles around the tree. The conversation kept going in circles, and nothing got accomplished.
circle
verbDefinition of circle (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to enclose in or as if in a circle
The teacher circled the misspelled words.
2 : to move or revolve around
satellites circling the earth
1a : to move in or as if in a circle
The airplane circled around over the airport.
b : circulate thy name shall circle round the gaping throng— Lord Byron
c : to circle around before making an attack
sharks circling in the water
2 : to describe or extend in a circle
the lighthouse sent out its slow steady circling beam— R. O. Bowen
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Time Traveler for circle
The first known use of circle was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century