Circle Round Extra Examples People Noun ˈsɜːkl ˈsɜːrkl

• the centre/circumference/radius/diameter of a circle
• concentric circles
• a design of overlapping circles
• cut out two circles of paper.

circle

1. a completely round flat shape
• SEE ALSO semicircle
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/semicircle
• the centre/circumference/radius/diameter of a circle
• concentric circles
• a design of overlapping circles
• Cut out two circles of paper.
• Spread 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture on each circle of dough.
• the circle of light thrown by the torch
2. the line that forms the edge of a circle
• SEE ALSO Antarctic Circle
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-antarctic-circle
• Draw a circle.
• He traced a circle in the dust with his finger.
• She walked the horse round in a circle.
• He had dark circles around his eyes from lack of sleep.
• The sharks were swimming in circles around her.

Extra Examples

• He turned the car in a tight circle.
• How long does it take for the dial to rotate through a full circle?
• If you follow the road signs you will simply find yourself going round in a circle.
• If you follow the signs you find yourself going around in a circle.
• The planets move in circles around the sun.
• The water rippled in widening circles around the fountain.
3. a thing or a group of people or things that is like a circle in shape
• SEE ALSO crop circle
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/crop-circle
• a circle of trees/chairs
• The children stood in a circle.
• The crowd formed a circle around the two boys.
• The M25 motorway isn't quite a complete circle.
• Arrange the candles to create a circle.

Extra Examples

• The children ran around the circle of chairs until the music stopped.
• The stones form a complete circle.
4. an upper floor of a theatre or cinema where the seats are arranged in curved rows
• SEE ALSO dress circle
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/dress-circle
• We had seats in the circle.
5. a group of people who are connected because they have the same interests, jobs, etc.
• SEE ALSO charmed circle
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/charmed-circle
• Talk of religion was forbidden in the family circle.
• She's well known in theatrical circles.
• a large circle of friends

Extra Examples

• While she is lauded in London intellectual circles, she is less well-known to the general public.
• She did not meet people outside her own small social circle.
• Her ideas have caused controversy in scientific circles in recent years.
• friends in government circles
• They treat anyone outside their immediate circle with suspicion.
• You need to widen your circle of friends.
• She moves in the highest social circles.
• She has a wide circle of acquaintances.
• My brother and I move in completely different circles.
6. to return to the situation in which you started, after a series of events or experiences
7. to work hard at something or discuss something without making any progress
8. to be busy doing something without achieving anything important or making progress
9. to do something that is considered to be impossible
• Marketing companies are trying to square the circle of profitability and growth with strong ethical values and sustainability.

Word Origin

• Old English, from Old French cercle, from Latin circulus ‘small ring’, diminutive of circus ‘ring’.