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Synonyms

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.

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of circa

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Say what you will about the Democratic establishment circa 2026.

From Slate ● Aug. 15, 2026

It said archaeological trenches dug near the route of the underground cable "contained the rim of an inverted pottery vessel whose fabric suggests a Bronze Age collared urn circa 1700-1500BC, typically associated with human burial".

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026

“With significant uncertainty and volatility in lithium prices, it is unclear whether Wesfarmers will generate an acceptable return on its circa A$3 billion total project investment,” Jefferies analyst Michael Simotas says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

It was a luxurious time in media, circa 2011, when ESPN’s Grantland paid his $10,000 entry fee and said he could keep his winnings.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

Much of Steve Eisman wanted to believe the worst, and that gave him a huge tactical advantage in the U.S. financial markets circa 2007.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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