Circle

/ˈsɜːrkl/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the center).

/ˈsɜːrkl/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A round shape

The pizza was a perfect circle.

💡 Simply: Imagine a perfectly round cookie. That's a circle! It's a shape with no beginning or end, just a smooth round line.

👶 For kids: A round shape like a ball or a coin.

More Examples

2

The farmer's field was almost a circle.

How It's Used

Geometry

"The circle had a radius of 5cm."

Everyday life

"Draw a circle around the correct answer."

2

To move in a circle or a circular path.

/ˈsɜːrkl/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To move in a circle

The birds circled overhead.

💡 Simply: To go round and round in a circle, like a plane flying above a city before it lands.

👶 For kids: To go around and around in a circle.

More Examples

2

The dancers circled the fire.

How It's Used

Aviation

"The plane circled the airport before landing."

Social

"The children circled around the maypole."

Tip:Imagine a bird circling its nest.

Idioms & expressions

come full circle

To return to the original state or situation.

"After years of struggling, she came full circle and found success."

From Middle English *cirkel*, from Old North French *cercle*, from Late Latin *circulus*, diminutive of Latin *circus* "ring, circle".

The word 'circle' has been used in geometry since ancient times.

Memory tip

Think of a circus ring; it's a perfect circle!

Word Origin

Original meaning

"ring, circle"

circle of friendscircle of lifevicious circle

Common misspellings

circelcircal

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written