circumference

noun

cir·​cum·​fer·​ence sər-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s How to pronounce circumference (audio)
sə-,
-f(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: the perimeter of a circle
The circle measures 22 inches in circumference.
2
: the external boundary or surface of a figure or object : periphery
from the center to the circumference of the sphere
circumferential adjective

Did you know?

Attempts have been made to measure the circumference of the earth since the time of Aristotle. The calculation that Columbus was relying on led him to think he could reach China by sailing west more quickly than by sailing east. But that measurement had calculated the earth's circumference as about a quarter too small, and the rest is history. Columbus wasn't the only one who got it wrong; many later attempts continued to produce different measurements for the earth's circumference—even though the Greeks had calculated it correctly way back in the 3rd century B.C.

Examples of circumference in a Sentence

What is the circumference of the Earth at the equator? The circle is 38 inches in circumference. The fence marks the circumference of the field.
Recent Examples on the Web If the outline of a circle is traced, unwound and then measured, the length is called its circumference. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 Experts suspect the star sports a ring of dust around its circumference, like the Solar System's icy Kuiper Belt. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 The reading on the MUAC tape — used to measure a child's middle-upper arm circumference — is still in the red zone. Unicef Usa, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 The hemlines boasted dinner-plate-size circumferences. Jonah Weiner, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Other factors, such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, are also important measurements. Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 2 Feb. 2024 For reference, the circumference of Earth is 24,900 miles (40,000 kilometers). Maria Sherman, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024 Product Details: Quantity: 6-Pack | Material: Wool | Scent: Safe for Use With Essential Oils | Size: 9.25-inch circumference Best for Static Grove Co. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2024 To get your palm width, wrap a soft measuring tape all the way around the widest part of your hand and record the circumference. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumference was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near circumference

Cite this Entry

“Circumference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumference. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

circumference

noun
cir·​cum·​fer·​ence sə(r)-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s How to pronounce circumference (audio)
-f(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: a line that goes around or encloses a circle
2
: the outer boundary of a figure or area
3
: the distance around something
the circumference of the earth at the equator
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!