circa
Americanpreposition
preposition
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.
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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.