American Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition circle in American English

circle verb

verb
/ˈsɜrk(ə)l/
1

to draw a circle around something

Example

Someone had circled the next paragraph in red.

Synonyms and related words
2

to move in a circle in the air

Example

Vultures circled in slow spirals above the camp.

Example

The plane continued to circle the airport, waiting for permission to land.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

to move in a circle on the ground

Example

The dog circled him, barking.

Example

The two men began circling slowly around each other.

Synonyms and related words
3

to form a circle around something

Example

Her arms circled his neck.

Synonyms and related words
4

to be about to die, fail or disappear

Example

Our economy is circling the drain and all we have is a plan to make a plan.

Example

Doctors told me I had circled the drain for several days at Rancho Springs Hospital and doctors there thought I was going to die.

Definition circle in American English