# circled

/ˈsɝkəɫd/ (US) · /sˈɜːkəld/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/circled
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

moved around something in a circle, or drew a ring around something on paper. You use this when describing movement or marking an important word.

For teachers: past tense and past participle of 'circle'; describes moving in a circular path or drawing a line around an object. Often used to indicate selection or focus on a specific item.

## Examples

- The birds circled the tall tree for several minutes.
- She circled the most important dates on her calendar to ensure she wouldn't forget the deadlines.
- The aircraft circled the airfield repeatedly while waiting for clearance to land, as the heavy fog had significantly reduced visibility on the runway.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive when drawing a ring around something, but can be intransitive when describing movement in a loop.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.