circular

1 of 2

adjective

cir·​cu·​lar ˈsər-kyə-lər How to pronounce circular (audio)
1
a
: having the form of a circle : round
a circular orbit
b
: moving in or describing a circle or spiral
a circular staircase
2
a
: of or relating to a circle or its mathematical properties
a circular arc
b
: having a circular base or bases
a circular cylinder
3
4
: marked by or moving in a cycle
5
: being or involving reasoning that uses in the argument or proof a conclusion to be proved or one of its unproved consequences
6
: intended for circulation
a circular letter
circularity noun
circularly adverb
circularness noun

circular

2 of 2

noun

: a paper (such as a leaflet) intended for wide distribution

Examples of circular in a Sentence

Adjective That planet has a more circular orbit than our planet does. a rather circular discussion of the problem that never addresses it directly Noun According to the circular, eggs are on sale this week. promptly tosses out those advertising circulars that come in the newspaper
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.
Adjective
Newsletter Ever since the ancient Greeks first made observations of the circular Moon and the skies, scientists have known that the Earth is a sphere. Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024 To clean the mesh grilles—the soft, wiry panels in the earbud—dip your toothbrush into a cup of micellar water, and while holding the earbud upright so the mesh is facing you, gently rub the bristles, in a circular motion, across each mesh panel for 15 seconds. Julia Ries, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
These circulars are useful when planning, especially for doorbusters. Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024 Kate's meeting on Sept. 24 was listed in the court circular — the official rundown of duties the royal family undertakes — which is published in U.K. newspapers including The Times. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circular 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English circuler, from Middle French, from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus circle

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1789, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near circular

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

circular

1 of 2 adjective
cir·​cu·​lar ˈsər-kyə-lər How to pronounce circular (audio)
1
: having the form of a circle : round
a circular driveway
2
: passing or going around in a circle
circular motion
3
4
: sent around to a number of persons
a circular letter
circularity noun
circularly adverb

circular

2 of 2 noun
: a printed notice or advertisement given or sent to many people

Medical Definition

circular

adjective
cir·​cu·​lar ˈsər-kyə-lər How to pronounce circular (audio)
: manic-depressive
especially : bipolar sense 3
the exalted phase of the mental circular state Havelock Ellis

More from Merriam-Webster on circular

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!