circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

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

ˈsər-kə-sē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bowl
• coliseum
• colosseum
• stadium

Examples of circus in a Sentence

He worked for a small circus.

We're going to the circus.

Recent Examples on the Web

The film, starring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green and Alan Arkin, follows a circus family who discover a baby elephant with the ability to fly. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

Dumbo down Some time after he was released, Curtis was credibly implicated in the drive-by shooting of a circus elephant. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Cirque du Soleil transforms its artistry into a captivating fragrance that captures the wonder and whimsy of the circus. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024

Enter in the circus tent to experience over 12 thrilling performances. —Jacqueline Huynh, The Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing circus

• circus catch
• circus peanut
• three-ring circus

Kids Definition

circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

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"