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

Some of the fighters were wearing RSF style uniforms, one of which has a circular patch with a black line running around the circumference - consistent with the paramilitary's insignia.

Read more on BBC

In effect, neck circumference acts as a visible indicator of visceral fat, the harmful kind that accumulates around internal organs.

Read more on Science Daily

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 The Wall Street Journal

Your waist circumference may be a better guide.

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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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Related Words

• girth