circle

In geometry, a circle is a perfectly round shape—meaning any point around its curve is the same distance from its central point. Circle commonly refers to anything that’s approximately shaped like this, even if it’s not a perfect circle in geometric terms. The letter O is a circle. As a verb, circle means to surround something or to move in a circular pattern. The word circle has several other senses as a noun and a verb.

In math, a circle is one of the shapes that a student will learn about when studying geometry. A circle resembles the letter O or the symbol for zero (0). A circle consists of a closed curved line around a central point. Every point on the line is the same distance from the central point. This distance to the center is called the radius. The outer line that encloses the circle (or the length of this line) is called the circumference.

Real-life example: A circle is a basic shape that’s typically taught to young children along with other simple shapes, such as triangles, squares, and rectangles.

Used in a sentence: The math teacher taught the students how to measure the circumference of a circle. 

Outside of math, circle generally refers to any object, shape, or formation that resembles a ring. The adjective circular describes something that has the shape of a circle.

Real-life examples: Wedding rings, Hula-Hoops, Cheerios, and car tires are circles. Drum circles, poetry circles, and prayer circles involve people literally arranging themselves to form a ring shape. They can also be figurative circles, with people gathering in one place for a common purpose.

Used in a sentence: The children gathered in a circle around the litter of puppies. 

As a verb, circle means to surround something or to enclose it in a circle.

Real-life example: Schoolchildren are often asked to circle the correct answer on a test.

Used in a sentence: The police officers circled the building so that every exit was covered. 

Circle as a verb also means to move in a circle or a circular pattern around something.

Real-life example: Vultures and sharks often circle around things they are planning to eat.

Used in a sentence: She circled the house in search of her dropped car keys.

The first records of circle come from before the year 1000. It comes from the Latin circulus, meaning “a circular figure” from circus, meaning “ring” or “circle.”

Yes, the English word circus shares an origin with circle. In ancient Rome, the word circus referred to a circular or oval-shaped arena where games, chariot races, and other events were held.

What are some other forms related to circle?

• circler (noun)
• intercircle (verb)
• recircle (verb)
• uncircled (adjective)

What are some synonyms for circle?

• ring
• loop
• encircle
• surround
• circumnavigate

What are some words that share a root or word element with circle? 

• come full circle
• run around in circles
• circus
• encircle
• circumvent
• circumspect

What are some words that often get used in discussing circle?

• shape
• oval
• sphere
• square
• triangle
• inner
• influence
• family

Circles are common shapes and circle is a common word that can be used in many different contexts.

I say I want to be a graphic designer but I can barely draw a circle 💀💀

— ERIC DAY🥕 (@sungchansso) November 18, 2020

It’s amazing how much something as simple as putting desks in a circle changes the dynamic of a classroom and it’s discussions.

Physical space matters.

— Daniel Buck (@MrDanielBuck) November 23, 2020

Don't mind us…just circling Feb 1 on the calendar

— Sky Blue FC (@SkyBlueFC) November 18, 2020

True or False?

If a dog is circling its food bowl, it is moving around it in a circular pattern.