circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

often attributive

1

a

: a large arena enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used especially for sports or spectacles (such as athletic contests, exhibitions of horsemanship, or in ancient times chariot racing)

b

: a public spectacle

2

a

: an arena often covered by a tent and used for variety shows usually including feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns

b

: a circus performance

c

: the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus

d

: something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle)

a media circus

3

a

obsolete : circle, ring

b

British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets

circusy

ˈsər-kə-sē 

adjective

Synonyms of circus

• madhouse
• bedlam

Examples of circus in a Sentence

He worked for a small circus.

We're going to the circus.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kids will learn how to do circus tricks and build stamina along the way. —Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026

Democratic primaries lately have been like a high-wire circus act that’s always on the cusp of falling but never does. —Henry Olsen, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2026

The film follows a Circassian circus troupe in New Jersey and centers on a young wrestler (Talha Akdogan) torn between his father’s restaurant and the troupe’s high-wire acts. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026

The circus plays through April 6 in Escondido, then moves to Temecula from April 10 to 27, and San Clemente from May 1 to 18. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, circle, circus — more at circle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing circus

• circus catch
• circus peanut
• three-ring circus

Rhymes for circus

• quercus

Kids Definition

circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

1

: a large arena enclosed by rows of seats (as in ancient Rome)

2

a

: a show that usually travels from place to place and that has a variety of exhibitions including acrobatic feats, wild animal displays, and performances by clowns

b

: a circus performance

c

: the performers and equipment of such a circus

d

: something that suggests a circus

Etymology

from Latin circus "circle, arena"