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.

---

circa British  

/ ˈsɜːkə /

preposition

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

   circa 1182 bc.

---

Etymology

Origin of circa

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

Example Sentences

“However, the implied circa 35% volume growth assumptions may initially be met with scepticism by investors due to the softer industry growth environment.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

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

The California Military Academy spent a spectacular few of its early years, circa 1906, on the water at Santa Monica, leasing out the rambling Victorian pile that had once been the Arcadia Hotel.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 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

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