circumference

noun

cir·​cum·​fer·​ence sər-ˈkəm(p)-f(ə-)rən(t)s 

sə-,

-fərn(t)s

1

: the perimeter of a circle

The circle measures 22 inches in circumference.

2

: the external boundary or surface of a figure or object : periphery

from the center to the circumference of the sphere

circumferential

sər-ˌkəm(p)-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

sə-

adjective

Did you know?

Attempts have been made to measure the circumference of the earth since the time of Aristotle. The calculation that Columbus was relying on led him to think he could reach China by sailing west more quickly than by sailing east. But that measurement had calculated the earth's circumference as about a quarter too small, and the rest is history. Columbus wasn't the only one who got it wrong; many later attempts continued to produce different measurements for the earth's circumference—even though the Greeks had calculated it correctly way back in the 3rd century B.C.

Synonyms

• girth

Examples of circumference in a Sentence

What is the circumference of the Earth at the equator?

The circle is 38 inches in circumference.

The fence marks the circumference of the field.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tap it around the circumference of each eye, including your upper eyelid, to harness the benefits of tetrapeptide-5 and antioxidant-rich nannochloropsis oculata extract (a form of microalgae). —Devon Abelman, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024

For one, the waists rose and the circumferences shrunk, as Black men played with the proportions of the prepster and the dandy. —Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024

Band size is the measurement of the circumference of your rib cage just below your breasts in inches. —Charlotte Owen, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2024

Both the double cheeseburger and spicy chicken sandwich appeared to be full-size versions of each sandwich, the chicken patty and ground beef matching the circumference of their respective buns. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

circumference

noun

cir·​cum·​fer·​ence sə(r)-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s 

-f(ə-)rən(t)s

1

: a line that goes around or encloses a circle

2

: the outer boundary of a figure or area

3

: the distance around something

the circumference of the earth at the equator