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 of circular

Adjective

• roundabout
• indirect

Noun

• booklet
• brochure
• leaflet
• folder
• flyer
• 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

This is a circular design that aims to maximize mono-material construction, which will allow the zipper to be recycled together with the garment. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

The double-height lobby is small but welcoming, and the two circular light fixtures that float in the upper regions of the space are a jaunty accent to the more staid expression of the building. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Noun

In mid-September, Bloomberg reported that public money-market funds in the kingdom have been asked to limit investments and assets held outside Saudi Arabia to 5% within two years, citing a recent circular from the CMA. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

First is a transition from a circular to a linear view of time and history. — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026

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