Circus Definition
sûrkəs
noun
A similar arena, often enclosed in a tent or building for performances by acrobats, trained animals, clowns, etc.
Webster's New World
A traveling company that performs such entertainments.
American Heritage
In ancient Rome, an oval or oblong arena with tiers of seats around it, used as for games or chariot races.
Webster's New World
A circular arena, surrounded by tiers of seats and often covered by a tent, in which such shows are performed.
American Heritage
A traveling show of this sort or its personnel, equipment, etc.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Circus
Noun
Singular:
circus
Plural:
circusesOrigin of Circus
-
From Latin circus (“ring, circle”), from Proto-Indo-European *sker, *ker (“to turn, to bend”) .
From Wiktionary
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Middle English round arena from Latin circus, circle circle
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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