What does "circular" mean?
An advertisement, directive or notice intended for mass circulation.
Circular
/ˈsɜː.kjə.lə(ɹ)/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An advertisement, directive or notice intended for mass circulation.
- Grammar: circular is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: flyer, actuate, advertisement, ambagious.
- Useful contrasts: sharp, square, thin.
- Usage evidence: The house looks circular, but it isn't a complete circle.
How to use "circular"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "circular" 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 "circular" 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 "circular" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "circular" 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 "circular" is acting as adj, noun, verb 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 "flyer" 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 "circular", 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 An advertisement, directive or notice intended for mass circulation.
"The pigeon-hole was also stuffed with circulars and hand-bills."
- 2 an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution wordnet
- 3 Ellipsis of circular letter. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
- 4 Ellipsis of circular file. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
- 5 A sleeveless cloak cut from a circular pattern. dated
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A shuttle bus with a circular route.
Verb
- 1 To distribute circulars to or at.
"The result of the sending of these notices confirms me in the opinion, that it will be necessary to adopt legal means with the great majority of these parties. The circulars have had little effect. In fact, the parties have been “circulared" into the notion that nothing more formidable will ever be sent to them."
- 2 To extend in a circular direction.
"The theme can be expressed in an architectural analogy. For, of all contriving to encover space, the arch — alone or 'circulared' into the dome — is the most ingenious."
Adjective
- 1 Of or relating to a circle.
- 2 In the shape of, or moving in a circle.
"Here, in the transept and choir, where the service was being held, one was conscious every moment of an increasing brightness; colours glowing vividly beneath the circular chandeliers, and the rows of small lights on the choristers' desks flashed and sparkled in front of the boys' faces, deep linen collars, and red neckbands."
- 3 Circuitous or roundabout.
- 4 Referring back to itself, so as to prevent computation or comprehension; infinitely recursive.
"circular reasoning"
- 5 Distributed to a large number of persons.
"a proclamation of Henry III., […] doubtless circular throughout England"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Perfect; complete. obsolete
"A man so absolute and circular / In all those wished-for rarities that may take / A virgin captive."
- 7 Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior. archaic
"February 1, 1711, John Dennis, on the Genius and Writings of Shakespeare Had Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?"
Adjective
- 1 describing a circle; moving in a circle wordnet
- 2 having the shape or form of a circle wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The house looks circular, but it isn't a complete circle."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "circular"?
Common synonyms include: flyer, actuate, advertisement, ambagious, anfractuous, angular kinetic energy.
How do you use "circular" in a sentence?
The house looks circular, but it isn't a complete circle.
How do you pronounce "circular"?
Pronounced /ˈsɜː.kjə.lə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Middle English circuler, circuleer, circulere, from Old French circulier (French circulaire), from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus, diminutive of circus (“ring”). By surface analysis, circle + -ar.