circular

American  

[sur-kyuh-ler] / ˈsɜr kyə lər /

adjective

1. having the form of a circle; round.

   a circular tower.

2. of or relating to a circle.

   a circular plane.

3. moving in or forming a circle or a circuit.

   the circular rotation of the earth.

4. moving or occurring in a cycle or round.

   the circular succession of the seasons.

5. roundabout; indirect; circuitous.

   a circular route.

6. 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.

7. pertaining to a circle or set of persons.

8. (of a letter, memorandum, etc.) addressed to a number of persons or intended for general circulation.

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noun

1. Also circ a letter, advertisement, notice, or statement for circulation among the general public.

   Synonyms:

   leaflet, flier, handbill

circular British  

/ ˈsɜːkjʊlə, ˌsɜːkjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, involving, resembling, or shaped like a circle

2. circuitous

3. (of arguments) futile because the truth of the premises cannot be established independently of the conclusion

4. travelling or occurring in a cycle

5. (of letters, announcements, etc) intended for general distribution

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noun

1. a printed or duplicated advertisement or notice for mass distribution

Other Word Forms

• circularity noun
• circularly adverb
• circularness noun
• noncircular adjective
• noncircularly adverb
• subcircular adjective
• subcircularly adverb
• uncircular adjective
• uncircularly adverb

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; circle, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

The distance from the Moon will allow astronauts on board to see the complete, circular surface of the Moon, including regions near both poles.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Inside these structures, tiny magnetic moments, which behave like miniature compass needles, align in circular patterns.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

In its 2025 management-proxy circular, the company said six of the seven members of its executive committee are bilingual, and Rousseau “has continued to act on his personal pledge to learn French.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The planning application also includes public access along a circular walk, viewing areas, public toilets, spares to hire and restoration of the existing orchard.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

In the one there is change and natural movement is vertical, while in the other there is no change and natural movement is circular.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton