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
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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.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
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.
Origin and Etymology of circle
see 1circle
First Known Use: 14th century
CIRCLE Defined for English Language Learners
circle
playDefinition of circle for English Language Learners
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: 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
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: a path that goes around a central point
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: an arrangement of people or things that forms a circle
circle
Definition of circle for English Language Learners
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: to form a circle around (something)
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: to draw a circle around (something)
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: 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
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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
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