Dictionary
1circle
noun, cir·cle often attributive \ˈsər-kəl\
: 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
: a path that goes around a central point
: an arrangement of people or things that forms a circle
Full Definition of CIRCLE
1
2
archaic : the orbit of a celestial body
3
: something in the form of a circle or section of a circle: as a : diadem b : an instrument of astronomical observation the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle c : a balcony or tier of seats in a theater d : a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through it <circle of latitude> e : rotary 2
4
: an area of action or influence : realm
5
6
: a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center <the sewing circle of her church> <family circle> <the gossip of court circles>
7
: a territorial or administrative division or district
8
: a curving side street
See circle defined for English-language learners
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Illustration of CIRCLE
Origin of CIRCLE
Middle English cercle, from Anglo-French, from Latin circulus, diminutive of circus circle, circus, from or akin to Greek krikos, kirkos ring; akin to Old English hring ring — more at ring
First Known Use: 14th century
2circle
verb
: to form a circle around (something)
: to draw a circle around (something)
: to move or go around (someone or something) in a circle
cir·cledcir·cling \-k(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of CIRCLE
transitive verb
1
: to enclose in or as if in a circle
2
: to move or revolve around <satellites circling the earth>
intransitive verb
1
a : to move in or as if in a circle b : circulate
2
: to describe or extend in a circle
— cir·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun
See circle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CIRCLE
14th century
CIRCLE Defined for Kids
1circle
noun cir·cle \ˈsər-kəl\
Definition of CIRCLE for Kids
1
: a line that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is the same distance from the center
2
: something in the form of a circle or part of a circle <We gathered in a circle around the fireplace.>
4
: a group of people sharing a common interest <a reading circle> <a circle of friends>
2circle
verb
cir·cledcir·cling
Definition of CIRCLE for Kids
1
: to form or draw a circle around <Circle the correct answers.>
2
: to move or revolve around <Satellites circle the earth.>
3
: to move in or as if in a circle <Vultures circled overhead.>
Medical Dictionary
circle
noun cir·cle \ˈsər-kəl\
Medical Definition of CIRCLE
1
a : a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within the curve b : the plane surface bounded by such a curve
2
: something (as an anatomical part) in the form of a circle or section of a circle <an arterial circle>—see circle of willis
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