circus

noun

cir·cus ˈsər-kəs

often attributive

: 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)

: a public spectacle

: 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

: a circus performance

: the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus

: something suggestive of a circus (as in frenzied activity, sensationalism, theatricality, or razzle-dazzle)

a media circus

obsolete : circle, ring

British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets

circusy

ˈsər-kə-sē

adjective

Example Sentences

He worked for a small circus. We're going to the circus.

Recent Examples on the Web Over the years, the free festival with pop-up tents on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. has spotlighted everything from the Peace Corps to NASA to circus arts, along with regions and countries the world over. —

Carolyn Hagler, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 June 2023 In three independent but not entirely unrelated circus rings, a pair of chest-puffing rivals is moving well beyond the typical name calling and drive-by dings. —

Philip Elliott, Time, 29 June 2023 On Tuesday there's a parade at 11 a.m., live music by Quiet Storm, circus entertainment and fireworks at the high school at dusk. —

Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 27 June 2023 Introducing a more fantastical theme, Kardashian is also spotted alongside several circus performers. —

Henry Chandonnet, Peoplemag, 26 June 2023 The Coliseum Commission booked circuses, a rally for Pres. —

David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2023 Conklin scoured the circus for water, but it had been used up — the elephants had been fed, the goat had been bathed, and all hope seemed lost. —

Allison Robicelli, Washington Post, 21 June 2023 The funeral takes place in a carnival atmosphere and features eight performers in 16 different circus acts,including juggling, hand-balancing, high-wire, tumbling, trapeze, trampoline and more. —

Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2023 Chaplin’s Tramp stumbles into the circus arena as a lonely thief and exits transformed. —

Patrick Frater, Variety, 15 June 2023 See More

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Circus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circus. Accessed 13 Jul. 2023.

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Kids Definition

circus

noun

cir·cus ˈsər-kəs

: a large arena enclosed by rows of seats (as in ancient Rome)

: 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

: a circus performance

: the performers and equipment of such a circus

: something that suggests a circus

Etymology

from Latin circus "circle, arena"