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

Well, the circus of disgrace is back in Washington and these tactics don't stop at the Supreme Court nominees, many also try to destroy the character. — Fox News, "Reps. Meadows, Jordan call on Rosenstein to testify," 27 Sep. 2018 But the circus elephants’ retirement is one case, at least, where understanding history may have helped us to rectify the sins of the past. — Amy Crawford, BostonGlobe.com, "Why is history always about humans?," 13 July 2018 Most are members of a third-generation family of circus performers. — Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, "Hey Alaskans, the circus is in town," 18 June 2018 Men’s and women’s looks referenced the tailcoat and top hat traditionally worn by that circus performer. — Adam Tschorn, latimes.com, "It's haute harlequins and ringmaster chic at Moschino's circus-themed Burbank runway show," 13 June 2018 But based on Game 1, Curry the Ringmaster is back and the circus is on. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Ringmaster Stephen Curry is back, and the Warriors’ circus is on," 1 June 2018 The music circus was a summer theater in the round under a striped tent, which drew large audiences before closing in 1970. — Bonnie L. Cook, Philly.com, "Louis J. Cameron Sr., 92, shipbuilder and musician," 31 May 2018 See all the vacation pics below: Harper sharpening her circus skills. — Rita Thompson, Billboard, "Elton John & Neil Patrick Harris Go On Adorable Joint Family Vacation: See the Pics," 11 July 2018 Circus City Festival Peru is known as the Circus City, because several large circuses used to spend the winters there. — Sarah Bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018

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.