circus

noun, often attributive

cir·cus | \ ˈsər-kəs

Definition of circus

1a : 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

2a : 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

3a obsolete : circle, ring

b British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets

Other Words from circus Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about circus

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Examples of circus in a Sentence

He worked for a small circus. We're going to the circus.

Recent Examples on the Web The alternative is allowing Trump to be the ringmaster of a circus that could last for months. — Matthew Walther, TheWeek, "Trump is getting the band back together," 17 Jan. 2020 Jones has made the job of coaching the Cowboys a circus during his years as the owner. — Andy Nesbitt, For The Win, "Jerry Jones is the one to blame for this mess that is the Dallas Cowboys," 6 Dec. 2019 But now the park was somehow both a wild canine circus sabotaging property values and a beloved gathering space for only the politest of pooches. — Jessica Contrera, baltimoresun.com, "‘NO EXCESSIVE BARKING’: A Maryland dog park divides the rich and powerful," 28 Aug. 2019 Offered through this powerhouse were celluloid dolls, velvet dolls, card games, drums and even a circus pull toy. — Brenda Yenke, cleveland.com, "Mickey’s world transcends the decades: Yenke Peddler antiques," 1 Aug. 2019 After so much time with the club, Benzema is able to keep calm, knowing that obstacles are inevitable–especially at a circus like Real Madrid. — Luis Miguel Echegaray, SI.com, "Stars Old and New All Have a Stake in Remaking Real Madrid," 26 July 2019 One hundred years after his birth, the Italian auteur remains influential in world cinema FROM VIA VENETO to ancient Rome, from circuses to fascist rallies, no one has captured the Bel Paese on screen in quite the same fashion as Federico Fellini. — The Economist, "Beyond neorealism Federico Fellini’s beautiful confusion," 20 Jan. 2020 Howard then put the game away with a personal 11-0 run that included a close jumper, a step-back three-pointer, a three-point play on a circus layup and another triple on a fast break. — Ben Steele, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Marquette 85, Xavier 65: Markus Howard keys second-half run," 15 Jan. 2020 Prescott might be the victim of the circus type of season the Cowboys have had. — Andy Nesbitt, For The Win, "Dak Prescott is the biggest Pro Bowl snub thanks to Aaron Rodgers," 18 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'circus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.