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

Construction workers in reflective vests and hardhats formed a semicircle for the cameras. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Small enough to fit into a purse, the traditional Spanish folding hand fan, or abanico, snaps open into a semicircle. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

The umbral shadow will first appear as a small semicircle of shadow close to the dark expanses of Oceanus Procellarum (the Ocean of Storms) and Mare Humorum on the moon's southwestern edge, before swiftly spreading to swallow the nearby moonscape. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Researchers believe feminine representations are identified by the presence of vulvae, or semicircles located between the legs. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

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