Meaning & Definition of word "Circle"

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    Circle

    /ˈsɜːr.kəl/

    noun:

    • 1. A round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) is equidistant from a fixed center point.
      • Example: The children drew a large circle on the pavement with chalk.
    • 2. A group of people with shared interests or activities.
      • Example: She is part of a circle of friends who meet every month for dinner.
    • 3. A series of events or actions that are connected in a loop.
      • Example: The story takes the reader through a circle of events that ultimately lead to a resolution.

    verb:

    • 1. To draw or mark a circle around something.
      • Example: Please circle the correct answer on the test sheet.
    • 2. To move in a circle around something.
      • Example: The helicopter circled the building several times before landing.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'circl', from Old French 'circl', from Latin 'circulus', a diminutive of 'circus' meaning 'circle'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    circle of life:

    The series of events that encompass the different stages of life.

    run in circles:

    To engage in a series of activities that lead nowhere.

    coming full circle:

    Returning to a starting point in a process.

    circle back:

    To return to a previous topic.

    Related Words

    circumference:

    The distance around a circle.

    circlet:

    A small circle, especially a small ornamental ring.

    circular:

    Having the shape of a circle.

    Slang Meanings of circle

    Meaning: Circle of trust

    Example Sentence: He's part of my circle of trust; I can share anything with him.

    Meaning: Circle jerk

    Example Sentence: The meeting turned into a bit of a circle jerk, with everyone just agreeing with each other.