plural circles
1
a
: a perfectly round shape : a line that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is the same distance from the center
She drew a circle around the correct answer.
b
: a path that goes around a central point
She walked (around) in a circle.
—often used figurativelyWe've been walking/driving in circles [=along the same path or course] for hours!
We've been trying to decide how to improve the system, but we just keep going around in circles. [=we are not making any progress toward making a decision]
I feel like I have been running around in circles with this project.
The company has come up with some new products that will run circles around the competition. [=that will be much better than the competition; that will easily beat the competition]
Those little kids can ski circles around me. [=can ski much better than I can]
2
a
: an arrangement of people or things that forms a circle
She arranged the stones in a circle. = She made a circle out of/with the stones.
a circle of stones
We formed a circle around the campfire.
b
: something that is shaped like part of a circle
He looked old and tired, with dark circles under his eyes.
3
: a group of people who do something together, are friends, belong to the same profession, etc.
a sewing circle
She has a large/wide circle of friends.
the family circle [=the people in a family]
She is well-known in banking/literary/professional/political circles.
4
chiefly British
: a balcony or upper level of seats in a theater
circles; circled; circling
1
a
: to form a circle around (something)
There are trees circling [=encircling, surrounding] our little house.
He circled his arms around his wife's waist.
His arms circled around his wife's waist.
b
: to draw a circle around (something)
She circled the correct answer.
2
: to move or go around (someone or something) in a circle
The pilot circled the airport before landing.
We had to circle [=go around] the block again to find the house.
The hawk circled overhead.
The halfback circled to the left.
I circled back [=returned] to the house to get my briefcase.
Cite this Entry
“Circle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/circle. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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