circular

1 of 2

adjective

cir·​cu·​lar ˈsər-kyə-lər 

1

a

: having the form of a circle : round

a circular orbit

b

: moving in or describing a circle or spiral

a circular staircase

2

a

: of or relating to a circle or its mathematical properties

a circular arc

b

: having a circular base or bases

a circular cylinder

3

: circuitous, indirect

4

: marked by or moving in a cycle

5

: being or involving reasoning that uses in the argument or proof a conclusion to be proved or one of its unproved consequences

6

: intended for circulation

a circular letter

circularity

ˌsər-kyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-

noun

circularly

ˈsər-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb

circularness noun

circular

2 of 2

noun

: a paper (such as a leaflet) intended for wide distribution

Synonyms

Adjective

• circuitous
• indirect
• roundabout

Noun

• booklet
• brochure
• flyer
• flier
• folder
• leaflet
• pamphlet

Examples of circular in a Sentence

Adjective

That planet has a more circular orbit than our planet does.

a rather circular discussion of the problem that never addresses it directly

Noun

According to the circular, eggs are on sale this week.

promptly tosses out those advertising circulars that come in the newspaper

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Its monumental circular tower, the largest in the region, boasts ingenious features such as notches designed to pour hot date syrup on invaders. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Add egg mixture, and cook, stirring gently and scraping bottom of skillet in a circular motion using a rubber spatula, until large curds begin to form and bare spots appear on bottom of skillet, about 45 seconds. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 11 May 2025

Noun

But the bigger problem now is the big bang of agency memos, bulletins, circulars, and other forms of regulatory dark matter—edicts that bypass traditional public-notice rulemaking procedures, allegedly lack the force of law, yet few are brave enough to ignore. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Other ways to save on eggs include using store circulars, or buying them with a cash-back credit card. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English circuler, from Middle French, from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus circle

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1789, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing circular

• circular dichroism
• circular file
• circular function
• circular saw
• right circular cone
• right circular cylinder

Rhymes for circular

• semicircular
• subcircular
• tubercular

Kids Definition

circular

1 of 2 adjective

cir·​cu·​lar ˈsər-kyə-lər 

1

: having the form of a circle : round

a circular driveway

2

: passing or going around in a circle

circular motion

3

: circuitous sense 1

4

: sent around to a number of persons

a circular letter

circularity

ˌsər-kyə-ˈlar-ət-ē 

noun

circularly

ˈsər-kyə-lər-lē 

adverb

circular

2 of 2 noun

: a printed notice or advertisement given or sent to many people

Medical Definition

circular

adjective

cir·​cu·​lar ˈsər-kyə-lər 

: manic-depressive

especially : bipolar sense 3

the exalted phase of the mental circular state

—Havelock Ellis