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 .
have been circling
-
present perfect progressiveof circle.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.
Wolves have been circling the drain and have now been pulled under as they prepare to play in the Championship for the first time since 2018.
From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026
Roche and Novo have been circling the emerging category, according to Jefferies analysts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 9, 2026
That’s according to a purportedly leaked CIA assessment among the trove of alleged intelligence documents that have been circling through social media and triggering unease between Washington and its allies in recent days.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 12, 2023
But it is increasingly a contest between Putin and Biden, who have been circling each other for years.
From New York Times ● Feb. 21, 2023
Of course, it has not rained, I told myself, for almost three weeks, and the fire planes have been circling the mountains and valleys, patrolling the mountains.
From "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
