noun

1. a plane figure bounded by a single curved line, every point of which is equally distant from the point at the center of the figure
2. the line bounding such a figure; circumference
3. anything shaped like a circle, as a circular road, a ring, a crown, or a halo
4. Old Poet. the orb of a heavenly body
5. the orbit of a heavenly body
6. a balcony or tier of seats as in a theater the dress circle
7. a complete or recurring series, usually ending as it began; cycle; period
8. a group of people bound together by common interests; coterie
9. Historical a territorial division, esp. in Germany
10. range or extent, as of influence or interest; scope
11. 1. great circle
    2. a parallel of latitude
12. an astronomical instrument with a part in the form of a calibrated circle
13. Logic a faulty manner of reasoning in which the conclusion that is to be proved is assumed in a premise guilty of arguing in a circle

Etymology: ME cercle < OFr < L circulus, a circle, dim. of circus: see circus

transitive verb circled -·cled, circling -·cling

1. to form a circle around; encompass; surround
2. to move around, as in a circle

intransitive verb