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.
However, despite being the architects of Assad's downfall, HTS's ability to govern over Syria, filled with opposition factions and encircled by expansionist foreign powers, is far from assured. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Another scene involves a Ukrainian drone unit defending another village, mostly without infantry support, encircled by Russian troops. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 The Rim of the Valley corridor is generally said to include the mountains that encircle the San Fernando, La Crescenta, Santa Clarita, Simi and Conejo valleys. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Diana Dil poses for a photo encircled by her little girls, all in blue except for the youngest in pink. Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 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 26 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!