semicircle

noun

semi·​cir·​cle ˈse-mē-ˌsər-kəl How to pronounce semicircle (audio)
ˈse-ˌmī-
-mi-
Synonyms of semicirclenext
1
: a half of a circle
2
: an object or arrangement of objects in the form of a half circle
semicircular
ˌse-mē-ˈsər-kyə-lər How to pronounce semicircle (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-
-mi-
adjective

Examples of semicircle in a Sentence

The children sat in a semicircle. The houses are built in a semicircle.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 27-year-old midfielder from Quebec dribbled straight away and from the top of the semicircle finished his first of the season. Josh Gross, Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026 Babcock, 23, found himself among a semicircle of reporters in their 40s who were hanging on Gabriel’s every syllable. Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026 In the background, a large group of Warkaris—men and women dressed in traditional white attire, colorful saris, turbans and topis—sit in a semicircle, clapping and cheering. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 At the conclusion of dinner chairs were moved into a semicircle facing auctioneer Michael Broadbent, the legendary British wine critic and author. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for semicircle

Word History

Etymology

Latin semicirculus, from semi- + circulus circle

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semicircle was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semicircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semicircle. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

semicircle

noun
semi·​cir·​cle ˈsem-i-ˌsər-kəl How to pronounce semicircle (audio)
1
: half of a circle
2
: an object or arrangement of objects in the form of a half circle
semicircular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on semicircle

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