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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 clownsb : a circus performancec : the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circusd : something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle) a media circus
3a obsolete : circle, ringb British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets
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Examples of circus in a Sentence
He worked for a small circus.
We're going to the circus.
Recent Examples of circus from the Web
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So: magical circus, teaming up with Dumbledore, getting the gang back together, and hunting evil wizards.
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LaVar Ball brought his traveling circus to Philadelphia on Thursday.
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Hello and welcome to The Greatest Showman, a lovely and very pretty movie about the circus, which appears to be all about embracing one's differences.
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Performers from throughout the world unite on a stage holding 35,000 gallons of water for what is billed as the first official traveling water circus in the United States.
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Vista hosted a kickoff event Tuesday, while San Diego held a picnic featuring circus performers on Wednesday.
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National and local musicians, urban dance stage, circus stage, artisan marketplace, interactive mural painting, family fun zone, global food booths, beer and wine.
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In recent weeks, the White House has taken to holding some press briefings off-camera, presumably in an effort to tamp down the media circus surrounding Donald Trump.
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Lamb’s Players’ new production has its charms, particularly the choreography by Javier Velasco and some creative special effects during a circus scene.
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.
Origin and Etymology of circus
Middle English, from Latin, circle, circus — more at circle
CIRCUS Defined for English Language Learners
circus
playDefinition of circus for English Language Learners
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: a traveling show that is often performed in a tent and that typically includes trained animals, clowns, acrobats, etc.
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: a situation or event that is very busy, lively, and confusing and that attracts a lot of attention
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: a circular area where several streets meet
CIRCUS Defined for Kids
circus
playDefinition of circus for Students
: a traveling show that often takes place under a tent and that usually includes acts performed by acrobats, clowns, and trained animals
Learn More about circus
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for circus Spanish Central: Translation of circus Nglish: Translation of circus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of circus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about circus
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