a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: + y = r. x
the portion of a plane bounded by such a curve.
any circular or ringlike object, formation, or arrangement: a circle of dancers.
a ring, circlet, or crown.
the ring of a circus.
a section of seats in a theater: dress circle.
the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere: A politician has a wide circle of influence.
a series ending where it began, esp. when perpetually repeated; cycle: the circle of the year.
an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion or its equivalent as a premise; vicious circle.
a complete series forming a connected whole; cycle: the circle of the sciences.
a number of persons bound by a common tie; coterie: a literary circle; a family circle.
an administrative division, esp. of a province.
a parallel of latitude.
(formerly) the orbit of a heavenly body.
Seemeridian circle.
a glass or metal disk mounted concentrically with the spindle of a theodolite or level and graduated so that the angle at which the alidade is set may be read.
a sphere or orb: the circle of the earth.
a ring of light in the sky; halo.
—v.t.
to enclose in a circle; surround; encircle: Circle the correct answer on the exam paper. The enemy circled the hill.
to move in a circle or circuit around; rotate or revolve around: He circled the house cautiously.
to change course so as to pass by or avoid collision with; bypass; evade: The ship carefully circled the iceberg.
The company has circled the wagons since its market share began to decline.
(in the early U.S. West) to form the wagons of a covered-wagon train into a circle for defensive purposes, as against Indian attack.
Slang.to prepare for an all-out, unaided defensive fight:The company has circled the wagons since its market share began to decline.
—v.i.
to move in a circle or circuit: The plane circled for half an hour before landing.