closed circuit

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a circuit without interruption, providing a continuous path through which a current can flow.

---

closed circuit British  

noun

1. a complete electrical circuit through which current can flow when a voltage is applied Compare open circuit

---

closed circuit Scientific  

1. An electric circuit through which current can flow in an uninterrupted path.

2. Compare open circuit

3. A television system in which the signal is usually sent by cable to a limited number of receivers.

---

Other Word Forms

• closed-circuit
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of closed circuit

First recorded in 1820–30

Compare meaning

How does closed-circuit compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• open circuit vs. closed circuit

Example Sentences

I’m in a little bit of a closed circuit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

That is, the electricity that drives electromagnetism has no resistance, and constantly runs in a closed circuit without the supply of electricity.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2024

At 4.17am on Feb. 6, the snow-covered ground around the Trend Garden began shaking violently, according to footage captured by closed circuit television.

From Reuters • Mar. 4, 2023

For now, live streaming is available only for players’ families on a closed circuit.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2022

For the moment the boys were a closed circuit of sympathy with Piggy outside: he went very pink, bowed his head and cleaned his glasses again.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding