semicircle

noun

semi·​cir·​cle ˈse-mē-ˌsər-kəl 

ˈse-ˌmī-,

-mi-

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 

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

In 2003, Bromley added a third semicircle to the house, at the end of an addition on the ground floor. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 17 July 2025

Given the way the AT winds around valleys and gaps in slow semicircles, one side often offers a long drop into the woods below. —Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 20 June 2025

Have you ever been drawn to the precise semicircle of a first or last quarter moon? —Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 May 2025

Upstairs, both of these semicircles are capped with private balconies: One extends off the home’s original primary suite, the other off the larger guest room. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 17 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin semicirculus, from semi- + circulus circle

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for semicircle

• encircle
• tubercle
• cercle
• circle
• preopercle

Kids Definition

semicircle

noun

semi·​cir·​cle ˈsem-i-ˌsər-kəl 

1

: half of a circle

2

: an object or arrangement of objects in the form of a half circle

semicircular

ˌsem-i-ˈsər-kyə-lər 

adjective