circa

American  

[sur-kuh] / ˈsɜr kə /

preposition

1. about: used especially in approximate dates: ca, ca., c., c, cir., circ.

   The Venerable Bede was born circa 673.

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circa British  

/ ˈsɜːkə /

preposition

1. Abbreviation: c..   ca..  (used with a date) at the approximate time of

   circa 1182 bc.

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Etymology

Origin of circa

First recorded in 1860–65; from Latin: “around, about,” akin to circus circus

Example Sentences

Whatever the reasons, space stocks are melting up in a scenario that might remind investors of EVs circa 2020 and 2021.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

"Anyone with even the most rudimentary knowledge of leasehold knows that outright and immediate abolition of circa five million English and Welsh leases is almost certainly impossible."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

So technically, I suppose the people of Zimbabwe, circa 2008, were the first trillionaires.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Aiken rose to fame as the earnest, vocally gifted runner-up on “American Idol” circa 2003.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

OPPOSITE: Map of the world, circa 1700, showing Maria’s voyage.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman