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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

The short version is that even if you’re feeling less than patriotic under current conditions, the U.S. men’s national team, circa 2026, comes with high drama and an intriguing storyline.

From Salon Jun. 11, 2026

It looked very much like what I’d seen of the rest of the courthouse, circa 1950 or so, with pecky linoleum tiles and paneling that was yellowed and sticky-looking with honey-colored varnish.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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