circle

cir·cle / ˈsərkəl/ (abbr.: cir. or circ.) • n. 1. a round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the center). ∎  the line enclosing such a figure. ∎  something in the shape of such a figure: the lamp spread a circle of light. ∎  a group of people or things arranged to form such a figure: they all sat around in a circle. ∎  a movement or series of movements that follows the approximate circumference of such a figure: the astrological houses rotate in a circle. ∎  a dark circular mark below each eye, typically caused by illness or tiredness. ∎  a curved upper tier of seats in a theater.See also dress circle. 2. a group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances: she did not normally move in such exalted circles. • v. [tr.] move all the way around (someone or something), esp. more than once: the two dogs circle each other with hackles raised | [intr.] we circled around the island. ∎  [tr.] (from the air) move in a ring-shaped path above (someone or something), esp. more than once: they were circling the airport. ∎  [intr.] (circle back) move in a wide loop back toward one's starting point. ∎  (often be circled) form a ring around. ∎  draw a line around: circle the correct answers. PHRASES: come (or turn) full circle return to a past position or situation, esp. in a way considered to be inevitable. go around (or around and around) in circles inf. do something for a long time without achieving anything but purposeless repetition. run around in circles inf. be fussily busy with little result.