What does "circle" mean?
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).
Circle
/ˈsɜɹkəl/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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).
- Grammar: circle is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: acquaintance, acquaintances, advance, alentours.
- Useful contrasts: german quadrat, asters, crescents.
- Usage evidence: The answer leads us to a vicious circle.
How to use "circle"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "circle" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "circle" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "circle" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "circle" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "circle" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acquaintance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "circle", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 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).
"The set of all points (x, y) such that (x − 1)² + y² = r² is a circle of radius r around the point (1, 0)."
- 2 movement once around a course wordnet
- 3 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. colloquial
- 4 any circular or rotating mechanism wordnet
- 5 Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
"Children, please join hands and form a circle."
Show 20 more definitions
- 6 a curved section or tier of seats in a hall or theater or opera house; usually the first tier above the orchestra wordnet
- 7 Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.; Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
"Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal."
- 8 street names for flunitrazepam wordnet
- 9 Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.; A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
"The crank moves in a circle."
- 10 a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island wordnet
- 11 A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
"inner circle"
- 12 an unofficial association of people or groups wordnet
- 13 The orbit of an astronomical body.
- 14 ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point wordnet
- 15 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.
- 16 something approximating the shape of a circle wordnet
- 17 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.
- 18 A traffic circle or roundabout. Dundee, India, Philippines, South-Africa
"He arrived at the lakefront and drove around the circle where the amusement park and beach used to be when he was a kid[…]"
- 19 Compass; circuit; enclosure. obsolete
"in the circle of this forest"
- 20 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.
- 21 A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
"Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain."
- 22 A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
"That heavy Bodies deſcend by gravity, is no better an account then we might expect from a Ruſtick: and again; that Gravity is a quality whereby an heavy body deſcends, is an impertinent Circle, and teacheth nothing."
- 23 Indirect form of words; circumlocution. form-of, indirect
"Has he given the lie, / In circle, or oblique, or semicircle."
- 24 A territorial division or district.
"The ten Circles of the Holy Roman Empire were those principalities or provinces which had seats in the German Diet."
- 25 A bagginess of the skin below the eyes from lack of sleep. in-plural
"After working all night, she had circles under her eyes."
Verb
- 1 To travel around along a curved path. transitive
"The wolves circled the herd of deer."
- 2 form or draw a circle around wordnet
- 3 To surround. transitive
"A high fence circles the enclosure."
- 4 travel around something wordnet
- 5 To place or mark a circle around. transitive
"Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 move in a circular path above (someone or something) wordnet
- 7 To travel in circles. intransitive
"Vultures circled overhead."
- 8 To take part in a magic circle. intransitive
"I circled with that group for three years."
Proper Noun
- 1 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.
- 2 A surname from German.
- 3 A town, the county seat of McCone County, Montana, United States. Named after a cattle brand in the form of a circle.
- 4 the Circle line of the London Underground, originally the Inner Circle.
"The authorising acts were passed in July 1864, and this legislation brought into being what is today the Circle Line ... all of which sounds very simple. In reality it would be a painful process."
Example
"The answer leads us to a vicious circle."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "circle"?
Common synonyms include: acquaintance, acquaintances, advance, alentours, alternate, ambience.
How do you use "circle" in a sentence?
The answer leads us to a vicious circle.
How do you pronounce "circle"?
Pronounced /ˈsɜɹkəl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English circle, cercle, from Old French cercle and Latin circulus, diminutive of Latin circus (“circle, circus”), from Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos, “circle, ring”), related to Old English hring (“ring”). Compare also Old English ċircul (“circle, zodiac”), which came from the same Latin source.
Etymology 2
From the standard noun circle.
Etymology 3
Americanized form of German Zirkel.