encircle

verb

en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
en-
encircled; encircling; encircles

transitive verb

1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to pass completely around
encirclement noun

Examples of encircle in a Sentence

A crowd of reporters encircled the mayor. communication satellites encircling the earth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sprawling cities in the South and Southwest emerged seemingly overnight, while new suburbs encircled older metropolises in the North. David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024 As further evidence of its oddity, Triton encircles its parent in the opposite direction compared with the other moons. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 Since the stinging defeat in the courts, at which details emerged of government security forces downplaying the Bundys’ legitimate concern for their own safety when federal sniper units encircled the family, Washington and its agencies let the Bundys graze at will and without charge. Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024 Sitting on the mantle of her fireplace is Marshall's small office clock, a rounded wood casing encircling the white-and-gold face. Susan Page, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for encircle 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enserclen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encircle was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near encircle

Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

encircle

verb
en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to go completely around
encirclement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encircle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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