Definition of circle
1a : ring, halob : a closed plane (see 5plane 2b) curve every point of which is equidistant (see equidistant 1) from a fixed point within the curvec : 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 asa : diademb : an instrument of astronomical observation the graduated (see graduated 2a) limb of which consists of an entire circlec : a balcony or tier of seats in a theaterd : a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through it circle of latitudee : rotary 2 Traffic slowed down around the circle.
4 : an area of action or influence : realm within the circle of probability
5a : cycle, round the wheel has come full circleb : 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
Explore M-W
Examples of circle in a Sentence
She drew a circle around the correct answer.
We formed a circle around the campfire.
He looked old and tired, with dark circles under his eyes.
She has a large circle of friends.
She is well-known in banking circles.
Recent Examples of circle from the Web
-
Clinton and others in her innermost circle of advisers often speak of the election as if it had been stolen from them.
-
The story begins and ends in the exact same place, completing the circle of Jobs’ life.
-
Fast-forward to the World Series, and their story comes full circle with Kit yet again hitting a high pitch — only this time to her benefit.
-
Following Bernie Madoff's arrest for what many consider to be the largest Ponzi scheme in history, his wife Ruth fell into relative exile, ostracized by her former social circle, which included many who were duped by her husband's prolific fraud.
-
Vita Cleveland was one of the first to speak on the megaphone in the protest’s circle and came away from the event feeling energized.
-
Two other lawyers — Michael J. Bowe of Kasowitz’s firm and John Dowd, a veteran of D.C. legal circles — as well as communications strategist Mark Corallo are part of the outside team.
-
Inside the sullen U of L clubhouse, players sat in tight circles playing cards.
-
In early 2015, desperate to ease Addyson’s symptoms, the Bentons rented their Liberty Township home in Butler County, packed a truck and left their large circle of family and friends to join a tide of medical-marijuana refugees to Colorado.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of circle
Origin and Etymology of circle
Middle English cercle, from Anglo-French, from Latin circulus, diminutive of circus circle, circus, from or akin to Greek krikos, kirkos ring; akin to Old English hring ring — more at ring
circle
Definition of circle
circled
;circling
play \-k(ə-)liŋ\transitive verb
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
intransitive verb
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
2 : to describe or extend in a circle the lighthouse sent out its slow steady circling beam — R. O. Bowen
Examples of circle in a Sentence
He circled his arms around his wife's waist.
His arms circled around his wife's waist.
She circled the correct answer.
The pilot circled the airport before landing.
The halfback circled to the left.
Recent Examples of circle from the Web
-
Pacers general manager Kevin Pritchard came out swinging when asked about his star and the trade rumors circling him.
-
Calipari circled back to versatility when asked about Washington on Tuesday.
-
Instead of throwing Freeze under the bus in the face of potentially crippling sanctions, Ole Miss has circled the wagons around him.
-
But Carroll at least gave us a good quote to circle back to down the road.
-
So understanding one of the most important secrets of our own planet relies on sending a lander to a tiny, atmosphere-less, scorching metal ball, sending the craft circling the inner solar system for several years just to stick it into orbit.
-
A veteran investigator When Semaj was reported missing on April 25 at 6:28 pm, the massive community search included a local TV station helicopter circling overhead as police and volunteers combed the area.
-
Helicopters circled a thick plume of black smoke in the most violent scenes Brasilia has witnessed in years.
-
The race will circle around the Calumet Avenue, 129th Street and Sheffield Parkway.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of circle
see 1circle
CIRCLE Defined for English Language Learners
circle
playDefinition of circle for English Language Learners
-
: a perfectly round shape : a line that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is the same distance from the center
-
: a path that goes around a central point
-
: an arrangement of people or things that forms a circle
circle
Definition of circle for English Language Learners
-
: to form a circle around (something)
-
: to draw a circle around (something)
-
: to move or go around (someone or something) in a circle
CIRCLE Defined for Kids
Definition of circle for Students
1 : a line that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is the same distance from the center
2 : something in the form of a circle or part of a circle We gathered in a circle around the fireplace.
4 : a group of people sharing a common interest a reading circle a circle of friends
Definition of circle for Students
circled
;circling
1 : to form or draw a circle around Circle the correct answers.
2 : to move or revolve around Satellites circle the earth.
3 : to move in or as if in a circle Vultures circled overhead.
Medical Dictionary
circle
playMedical Definition of circle
1a: a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within the curveb: the plane surface bounded by such a curve
2: something (as an anatomical part) in the form of a circle or section of a circle an arterial circle—see circle of willis
Learn More about circle
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for circle Spanish Central: Translation of circle Nglish: Translation of circle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of circle for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up circle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!