- circle
- cir|cle1 [ `sɜrkl ] noun count ***1. ) a round shape consisting of a curved line that completely encloses a space and is the same distance from the center at every point. Something in the shape of a circle is circular:a mathematical calculation to find out the radius of a circlecircle of: Cut out a circle of paper.a ) a group of people or things arranged in a circle:circle of: a circle of stonesin a circle: The dancers were standing in a circle around the fire.form a circle: Now I'd like you to form a circle and hold hands.2. ) a group of people who know one another or are related to one another:circle of: They have a large circle of friends and acquaintances.a social circle: I soon became a member of her social circle.family circle: He now felt he was a member of the family circle.a ) usually plural a group of people who are interested in the same things or have the same profession:scientific/academic/literary circles: He began to move in the scientific circles centered around Sir Charles Cavendish.political/financial/business circles: The bank's failure sent shock waves through international financial circles.come/go full circleif a situation comes or goes full circle, it becomes the same again as it was at the beginning:He's back managing the club where he first started, so his career has come full circle.go around in circlesto do something for a long time without achieving any results because you always return to the same problem that you cannot solve=> SQUARE 3circlecir|cle 2 [ `sɜrkl ] verb *1. ) transitive to draw a circle around something:Someone had circled the next paragraph in red.2. ) intransitive or transitive to move in a circle in the air:Vultures circled in slow spirals above the camp.The plane continued to circle the airport, waiting for permission to land.a ) to move in a circle on the ground:The dog circled him, barking.circle around: The two men began circling slowly around each other.3. ) transitive to form a circle around something:Her arms circled his neck.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.