circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs How to pronounce circus (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: a large arena enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used especially for sports or spectacles (such as athletic contests, exhibitions of horsemanship, or in ancient times chariot racing)
b
: a public spectacle
2
a
: an arena often covered by a tent and used for variety shows usually including feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns
b
: a circus performance
c
: the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus
d
: something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle)
a media circus
3
a
obsolete : circle, ring
b
British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets
circusy adjective

Examples of circus in a Sentence

He worked for a small circus. We're going to the circus.
Recent Examples on the Web Amid a circus of tableside preparations—servers theatrically shaking Martinis and flambéing cherries—diners sized up one another, eyes darting around the room suspiciously. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 But here’s where the sordid circus comes in, not to mention a certain liberal contradiction. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2024 As individuals, these women bring an impressive range of experiences to the table — everything from volcanology to offshore sailing to traveling in the circus. Michael Charboneau, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The yearly circus of the Academy Awards is easy to cast aspersions on. Fran Hoepfner, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024 Sunset circus and happy hours For a few hours each evening before sunset, the energy vortex of Key West shifts to waterfront Mallory Square, a few blocks from the Customs House. Elaine Glusac, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 The onslaught begins Monday on NFL Opening Night, with all players available in a circus atmosphere at the game site. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2024 The circus will continue in National City through Monday before moving to Mission Valley from March 15 to April 8, and to Temecula from April 12 to April 29. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2024 With just two days left of shows, most of the fashion circus will be packing up and heading out by mid-week. Amy Verner, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, circle, circus — more at circle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of circus was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near circus

Cite this Entry

“Circus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circus. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

circus

noun
cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs How to pronounce circus (audio)
1
: a large arena enclosed by rows of seats (as in ancient Rome)
2
a
: a show that usually travels from place to place and that has a variety of exhibitions including acrobatic feats, wild animal displays, and performances by clowns
b
: a circus performance
c
: the performers and equipment of such a circus
d
: something that suggests a circus
Etymology

from Latin circus "circle, arena"

More from Merriam-Webster on circus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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