circular
Americanadjective
-
having the form of a circle; round.
a circular tower.
-
of or relating to a circle.
a circular plane.
-
moving in or forming a circle or a circuit.
the circular rotation of the earth.
-
moving or occurring in a cycle or round.
the circular succession of the seasons.
-
roundabout; indirect; circuitous.
a circular route.
-
Logic. of or relating to reasoning in which the conclusion is ostensibly proved, but in actuality it or its equivalent has been assumed as a premise.
-
pertaining to a circle or set of persons.
-
(of a letter, memorandum, etc.) addressed to a number of persons or intended for general circulation.
noun
adjective
-
of, involving, resembling, or shaped like a circle
-
circuitous
-
(of arguments) futile because the truth of the premises cannot be established independently of the conclusion
-
travelling or occurring in a cycle
-
(of letters, announcements, etc) intended for general distribution
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of circular
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circulāris, equivalent to circul(us), circlus “a circular form or figure; a ring or circle” + -āris adjective suffix; see origin at circle, -ar 1
Explanation
If something is circular, it has a round shape. You might take a circular route on your jog, running all the way around the park. You can build a circular fence around your garden, or pipe frosting flowers in a circular design on top of a birthday cake. Look at either from above, and they form circles. In logic, a circular argument is one that ends up exactly where it started — you assume something, rather than proving it. A paper advertisement can also be called a circular, from the idea that it's distributed to a certain circle, or group, of people.
Vocabulary lists containing circular
Geometry - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Geometry (Base List)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Measurement and Data
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The devices, which come in a range of colours and feature a large circular camera module with multiple lenses, have been on display at the Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair, the country's largest.
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
This approach could help create a more sustainable, circular economy by giving new value to materials that are usually thrown away.
From Science Daily • May 4, 2026
“We will tackle pollution, promote a circular economy and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind in the fight against climate change.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
In some cases, OpenAI critics have said certain financing arrangements are circular in nature, with the company’s partners providing funding and the company spending money on computing with that partner.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Trey stands on the grassy area that shapes the circular roundabout.
From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
