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.
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 In one of the hunts, called a xingwei, horsemen armed with bows formed a vast semicircle to push wildlife ahead of them. Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025 Early that afternoon, the officers walked into a conference room where about a dozen relatives—including Ryan’s mother, stepfather, father, and three siblings, plus Emily’s mother and father—sat in chairs in a semicircle. Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 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 7 Feb. 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

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