circle
noun
a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: x 2 + y 2 = r 2 .
has been circling
-
present perfect progressiveof circle (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been circling the Moon since 2009, collecting high-resolution measurements of infrared radiation coming from its surface.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 12, 2026
The unladen tanker has been circling off the Pakistani port of Karachi since 8 May, ship tracking data shows.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
UniCredit has been circling the Frankfurt-based group since the fall of 2024, when it started building a stake in the lender and pushing for a deeper tie-up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 20, 2026
Balfe: And the Revolutionary War has been circling them for a very long time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026
Just then, Ms. Tannenbaum, who has been circling the room, stops by our group.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
