circus

SaySUR-kuhs/ˈsɝkəs/UK/ˈsɜːkəs/

7 meanings of circus

1
nouncountable
A group of performers, like clowns and acrobats, who travel and put on shows, often in a round tent.
The circus is coming to our town at the end of May!
We saw clowns, jugglers, and trained horses at the circus.
UsageWe say the circus comes to town.
2
chaotic scenenounfigurativelycountable
A noisy fuss or show, or a place that is crowded or out of control.
The kitchen was a circus while everyone cooked for the party.
The meeting turned into a circus when people started yelling.
UsageSay media circus when reporters give a story too much attention or make it seem too dramatic.
Similarspectacle, madhouse, zoo, bedlam
Note
3
round junctionnounUKcountable
A round open area in a town or city where several streets come together.
Several busy streets meet at Piccadilly Circus in London.
We agreed to meet by the statue at Piccadilly Circus.
Note
4
Roman arenanounhistoricalcountable
In ancient Rome, a large place built for chariot races, with seats around a long track.
Crowds of Romans filled the circus to cheer for their favorite chariot teams.
In Rome, visitors can still walk where the old circus once stood.
Note

Less common meanings

5
nounobsolete
A ring that closes something in, or the space inside it.
The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.
1817, Lord Byron, The Lament of TassoHere, circus means a ring that closes something in, or the space inside it.
Note
6
verbrare
To be part of a circus, or to be shown off like something in a circus.
7
noun
A World War II British code name for daytime bomb raids, guarded by fighter planes, to keep enemy fighters busy.

Practice

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Origin

From Latin circus, meaning “ring” or “circle”.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

English circus derives from Latin circus. en.wiktionary.org
Latin circus means ring or circle. en.wiktionary.org