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

Pattinson throws his whole being into embodying the ringmaster rapidly losing control of his circus. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Any team that works out Kaepernick invites an immediate circus of scrutiny and racial hysteria. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Named for theatrical producer Florenz Ziegfeld, Ziggy was sold from one circus to another before he was moved to Brookfield Zoo in 1936. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

The cavernous arena was filled with exhibits showcasing the convention center’s history, including tributes to musical artists, political leaders, athletes, and even circus performers who have performed under that iconic domed ceiling. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 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"