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

Historically, Super Bowl week is a mockable target—a circus-like crush of media nonsense that mostly embarrasses everyone associated with it. — Jason Gay, WSJ, "Nobody Believes in Tom Brady. Or Something Like That.," 31 Jan. 2019 Regardless of what city Amazon picks, the HQ2 process, and the media circus around a Super Bowl for cities, has become a milestone in economic development. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Amazon HQ2: Why some cities feel like winners, despite losing," 28 Sep. 2018 SUBSCRIBE TODAY Thompson is one of five players -- and the only female -- drafted by the group known for its entertainment and circus-like traveling show. — Drew Davison, star-telegram, "From Mansfield Timberview to the Harlem Globetrotters? Meet Lili Thompson," 19 June 2018 There was the impressor to find recruits for the circuses. — WSJ, "In Hoc Anno Domini," 23 Dec. 2018 Even when the film pulls off an authentically creepy image or potential emotional moment, Nathan Barr’s garish score shoves the audience away from it, and back into the feel of a highly caffeinated circus. — Tasha Robinson, The Verge, "Films like The House With a Clock In Its Walls are poisonous to kids’ cinema," 23 Sep. 2018 To furnish Democrats with another big talk for their divisive circus may actually be a mistake for Republicans. — Fox News, "Women who know Kavanaugh respond to allegations against him," 17 Sep. 2018 So his circus cronies barge into a fancy party, with the Bearded Lady belting this song. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show sells a fantasy of empowerment. I sorta believed it.," 3 Dec. 2018 Ever since its debut in 1924, the holiday event has evolved from a two-block procession of circus animals into what is easily our favorite over-the-top spectacular of the year (take that, Super Bowl Halftime Show). — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: 2018 Information and Event History," 21 Nov. 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.