circle circle /ˈsɝːkəl/

noun

1. () Ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point  ( circle )
   ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
    In the geometry class, the teacher drew a perfect circle with the compass, ensuring that the center was accurately marked.
   In the geometry class, the teacher drew a perfect circle with the compass, ensuring that the center was accurately marked.
   
   
2. () An unofficial association of people or groups  ( set , lot , circle , band )
   an unofficial association of people or groups
    The smart set goes there
   the smart set goes there
    They were an angry lot
   they were an angry lot
   
3. () Something approximating the shape of a circle  ( circle )
   something approximating the shape of a circle
    The chairs were arranged in a circle
   the chairs were arranged in a circle
   
4. () Movement once around a course  ( circuit , lap , circle )
   movement once around a course
    He drove an extra lap just for insurance
   he drove an extra lap just for insurance
   
5. Any circular or rotating mechanism  ( circle , round )
   any circular or rotating mechanism
    The machine punched out metal circles
   the machine punched out metal circles
   
   
6. A curved section or tier of seats in a hall or theater or opera house; usually the first tier above the orchestra  ( circle , dress circle )
   a curved section or tier of seats in a hall or theater or opera house; usually the first tier above the orchestra
    They had excellent seats in the dress circle
   they had excellent seats in the dress circle
   
7. Street names for flunitrazepan  ( circle , forget me drug , Mexican valium , R-2 , roach , roofy , rope , rophy )
   street names for flunitrazepan
   
8. A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island  ( circle , rotary , roundabout [British] , traffic circle [ N. American] )
   a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island
    The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
   the accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
   
   

verb

1. () Travel around something  ( circle )
   travel around something
    Circle the globe
   circle the globe
   
2. () Move in a circular path above (someone or something)  ( circle )
   move in a circular path above (someone or something)
    The plane circled, looking for a landing spot
   the plane circled, looking for a landing spot
   
3. Form or draw a circle around  ( circle , encircle )
   form or draw a circle around
    Encircle the errors
   encircle the errors