circle

noun

(geometry) A two-dimensional geometric figure, a line, consisting of the set of all those points in a plane that are equally distant from a given point (center).

(colloquial) A two-dimensional geometric figure, a disk, consisting of the set of all those points of a plane at a distance less than or equal to a fixed distance (radius) from a given point.

Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.

A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.

(South Africa, Philippines, India) A traffic circle or roundabout.

Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.

A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.

A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.

(logic) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.

The orbit of an astronomical body.

(astronomy) An instrument of observation, whose graduated limb consists of an entire circle. When fixed to a wall in an observatory, it is called a mural circle; when mounted with a telescope on an axis and in Y's, in the plane of the meridian, a meridian or transit circle; when involving the principle of reflection, like the sextant, a reflecting circle; and when that of repeating an angle several times continuously along the graduated limb, a repeating circle.

A territorial division or district.

(Wicca) A ritual circle that is cast three times deosil and closes three times widdershins either in the air with a wand or literally with stones or other items used for worship.

(in the plural) A bagginess of the skin below the eyes from lack of sleep.

(cricket) A line comprising two semicircles of 30 yards radius centred on the wickets joined by straight lines parallel to the pitch used to enforce field restrictions in a one-day match.

the Circle line of the London Underground, originally the Inner Circle.

A census-designated place in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska, United States. Erroneously thought to be on the Arctic Circle, which is 50 miles further north.

A town, the county seat of McCone County, Montana, United States. Named after a cattle brand in the form of a circle.

A surname from German.

(obsolete) Compass; circuit; enclosure.

verb

(transitive) To travel around along a curved path.

(transitive) To surround.

(transitive) To place or mark a circle around.

(intransitive) To travel in circles.

(intransitive, paganism) To take part in a magic circle.

Roots

kirkoscirc- · Greek · ring, circle

Synonyms for circle

roundn encirclev circumferencen lapn ellipsen ensphere circumambulatev spheren perimetern coterien

Synonyms & related words for circle

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of circle — including round, encircle, circumference, lap, ellipse, ensphere. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to circle

Explore words related to circle — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include circler, roundabout, epicycle, rondure, escribe, semicircle, rotary, circularity. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for circle

Common synonyms for circle include round, encircle, circumference, lap, ellipse, ensphere, circumambulate, sphere — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does circle come from?

The word circle breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root circ-, from Greek kirkos (“ring, circle”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.