circle

Noun

1. A two-dimensional geometric figure, a line, consisting of the set of all those points in a plane that are equally distant from a given point (center).
   • The set of all points (x, y) such that (x − 1)² + y² = r² is a circle of radius r around the point (1, 0).

   Hypernyms: conic section shape

   Coordinate Terms: oval triangle square rectangle ball cube ellipse parabola hyperbola

2. A two-dimensional geometric figure, a disk, consisting of the set of all those points of a plane at a distance less than or equal to a fixed distance (radius) from a given point.
   • Near-synonyms: coil, ring, loop

   Synonyms: disc disk round coil ring loop

   Coordinate Terms: oval triangle square rectangle ball cube

3. Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
   • Children, please join hands and form a circle.

   1. Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.

      • Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.

   2. A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.

      • The crank moves in a circle.
4. A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
   • inner circle
   • circle of friends
   • literary circle

   Synonyms: bunch gang group

   1. (Japanese fiction) Synonym of doujin circle.

      Synonyms: bunch gang group doujin circle

5. The orbit of an astronomical body.
6. A line comprising two semicircles of 30 yards radius centred on the wickets joined by straight lines parallel to the pitch used to enforce field restrictions in a one-day match.
7. A ritual circle that is cast three times deosil and closes three times widdershins either in the air with a wand or literally with stones or other items used for worship.
8. A traffic circle or roundabout.
   • He arrived at the lakefront and drove around the circle where the amusement park and beach used to be when he was a kid[…] - 2011, Charles E. Webb, Downfall and Freedom, page 120:
9. Compass; circuit; enclosure.
   • in the circle of this forest - c. 1598–1600 (date written), William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
10. An instrument of observation, whose graduated limb consists of an entire circle. When fixed to a wall in an observatory, it is called a mural circle; when mounted with a telescope on an axis and in Y's, in the plane of the meridian, a meridian or transit circle; when involving the principle of reflection, like the sextant, a reflecting circle; and when that of repeating an angle several times continuously along the graduated limb, a repeating circle.
11. A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
    • Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain. - 1697, Virgil, “The Second Book of the Georgics”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson,...
12. A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
    • That heavy Bodies deſcend by gravity, is no better an account then we might expect from a Ruſtick: and again; that Gravity is a quality whereby an heavy body deſcends, is an impertinent Circle, and teacheth nothing. -...

Verb

1. To travel around along a curved path.
   • The wolves circled the herd of deer.
   • Other planets circle other suns. - 1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC:
2. To surround.
   • A high fence circles the enclosure.
   • Their heads are circled with a short turban. - 1699, William Dampier, Voyages and Descriptions:
   • So he lies, circled with evil. - 1798, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Dungeon:
3. To place or mark a circle around.
   • Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
4. To travel in circles.
   • Vultures circled overhead.

   Synonyms: gyrate

5. To take part in a magic circle.
   • I circled with that group for three years.
6. To participate in a game of circling.

Wikipedia

Circle