circumference

[ser-kuhm-fer-uhns]

noun

1. the outer boundary, especially of a circular area; perimeter.

   the circumference of a circle.

   Synonyms: circuit, periphery

2. the length of such a boundary.

   a one-mile circumference.

3. the area within a bounding line.

   the vast circumference of his mind.

circumference

/ səˌkʌmfəˈrɛnʃəl, səˈkʌmfərəns /

noun

1. the boundary of a specific area or geometric figure, esp of a circle

2. the length of a closed geometric curve, esp of a circle. The circumference of a circle is equal to the diameter multiplied by π

circumference

1. The boundary line of a circle.

2. The boundary line of a figure, area, or object.

3. The length of such a boundary. The circumference of a circle is computed by multiplying the diameter by pi.

circumference

1. The measure of the distance around a circle.

Other Word Forms

• circumferential adjective
• circumferentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumference¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin circumferentia, equivalent to circum- circum- + fer- (stem of ferre to carry) + -entia -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumference¹

C14: from Old French circonference, from Latin circumferre to carry around, from _circum- + ferre to bear

Example Sentences

Even when a group of men stare at you—beers clutched in hands, no idea why you’re shrieking in joy over carving the circumference of a tiny pool—you won’t give it a second thought.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Your waist circumference may be a better guide.

Read more on BBC

Mr Graham also said Mr Carruthers had "mentioned" chopping the tree down when he bought a chainsaw with a bar "big enough to cover the circumference of the tree".

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The stars slyly become the circumference of the U.S. presidential seal.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Urban populations were found to be more affected than rural ones, with high waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratios emerging as a key red flag.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• girth