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

At night, the carnival becomes a dreamscape full of circus games and rides that flash people back to the importance of being present and spending valuable time with music enthusiasts and longtime Odd Future fans. —Malik Peay, Essence, 25 Nov. 2025

The animal-free experience features circus arts under a traditional big top tent. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

Gimelstein suggests a group like Cirque du Soleil, or other circus groups, which need to stay in one place for an extended time. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

The holiday event features more than 15 million lights and LED displays as well as infinity mirror rooms, interactive exhibits, circus performances, carnival games and an ice skating rink, The Sacramento Bee previously reported. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 24 Nov. 2025

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"