circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

often attributive

1

a

: 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)

b

: a public spectacle

2

a

: 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

b

: a circus performance

c

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

d

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

a media circus

3

a

obsolete : circle, ring

b

British : a usually circular area at an intersection of streets

circusy

ˈsər-kə-sē 

adjective

Synonyms

• bowl
• coliseum
• colosseum
• stadium

Examples of circus in a Sentence

He worked for a small circus.

We're going to the circus.

Recent Examples on the Web

Super American Circus: Located in the PIC Resort, the Super American Circus is a 90-minute modern one-ring circus that showcases some of the best acts in the world. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the movie has embedded itself into the Formula 1 world championship as the crew have followed the circus around the world to be included in its race weekends. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025

Yet what the team that signs him will be getting is this: A one-ring circus. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025

My youngest kids and I were just sort of like a little traveling family circus. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, circle, circus — more at circle

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing circus

• circus catch
• circus peanut
• three-ring circus

Rhymes for circus

• quercus

Kids Definition

circus

noun

cir·​cus ˈsər-kəs 

1

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

2

a

: 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

b

: a circus performance

c

: the performers and equipment of such a circus

d

: something that suggests a circus

Etymology

from Latin circus "circle, arena"