26984 words

circle

10 definitions • 16 examples
1
a continuous curved line, the points of which are always the same distance away from a fixed central point, or the area inside such a line:

Examples:

Coloured paper was cut into circles.
We sat in a circle.
2
a group of people with family, work, or social connections:

Examples:

They socialize with a small circle of people.
She was a member of the inner circle of decision-makers within the organization.
3
If two people move in different circles, they have different groups of friends or different work or social connections:

Examples:

We never meet these days - we move in different circles.
4
an upper floor in a theatre or cinema where people sit to watch the performance:

Examples:

Shall I get seats in the circle or in the stalls?
5
to move in a circle, often around something:

Examples:

The plane circled for an hour before receiving permission to land.
Security staff circled the grounds of the house with guard dogs every hour.
6
to draw a circle around something:

Examples:

Circle the answer you think is correct.
7
to arrange things in a circle:

Examples:

Local teenagers would circle their cars out in cotton fields, play the radio loud, and dance.
When a pioneers' wagon train was attacked they circled their wagons to defend themselves.
8
a continuous curved line which is always the same distance away from a fixed central point, or the area enclosed by such a line:

Examples:

Colored paper was cut into circles, squares, and triangles.
A circle of chairs had been arranged in the center of the room.
9
a group of people who are connected by family, work, or society, or who share an interest:

Examples:

There’s a small circle of people who sell and exhibit their work at the same shows.
The mayor’s inner circle met with him throughout the crisis to give advice.
10
fig. If you circle around a subject, you talk about things related to it, often to avoid talking about the subject itself:

Examples:

[ I ] He circled around the idea of paying authors more for their books.

Navigation