verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of encircle
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at en- 1, circle
Explanation
To encircle is to surround, or to make a circle around. On the last night of summer camp, the counselors and campers traditionally encircle the campfire and sing songs. Prisons are encircled by barbed wire fences, and hot, damp pavement encircles most public swimming pools. When you hug your little sister, you encircle her with your arms. If your tomato plants are growing too tall and flopping over, you should encircle them with twine to hold them up. Encircle adds the prefix en-, "make or put in" to circle, from its Latin root circus, or "ring."
Vocabulary lists containing encircle
Florida's B.E.S.T Roots: circ, circum
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!
"Novio Boy: Scene 7, Part 2" and "Your World"
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!
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.
Giving Grace Church was formed in July 2016, while Encircle was formed in March 2017.
From Salon • Sep. 3, 2021
Kate Spade New York Loves Me Knot Mini Pendant Necklace Encircle her with your love in the form of a sweet, simple knotted heart suspended from a delicate chain.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2021
Encircle to the right with three walking steps.
From Dramatized Rhythm Plays Mother Goose and Traditional by Richards, John N.
When the soft, fair arms of the siren Summer Encircle the earth in their languorous fold.
From The Kingdom of Love by Wilcox, Ella Wheeler
Encircle this with border of rice and put an outside border of parsley.
From Stevenson Memorial Cook Book by Various
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.
