# circular

/ˈsɝkjəɫɝ/ (US) · /sˈɜːkjʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/circular
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. shape or motion

adjective · CEFR B1

having the shape of a circle or moving in a circle.

For teachers: pertaining to the shape of a circle or movement along a curved path that returns to its starting point.

- The children sat in a circular formation on the rug for story time.
- The satellite maintains a stable circular orbit around the planet, ensuring consistent data collection for the meteorological team.

### 2. indirect or roundabout

adjective · CEFR B2

not going directly to a point; taking a long way around.

For teachers: circuitous or indirect in path or reasoning.

- We took a circular route through the park to see all the gardens.
- The hikers followed a circular trail that led them back to the trailhead after passing the waterfall and the ridge.

### 3. logic/reasoning

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

describing an argument that uses its own conclusion as a reason why it is true.

For teachers: referring to a line of reasoning where the conclusion is already assumed in the premises, creating a logical loop.

- His argument was circular because he just repeated his main point in different words.
- The philosopher critiqued the author's circular reasoning, noting that the initial assumption was identical to the final conclusion.

### 4. printed notice

noun · CEFR B2

a letter or advertisement that is sent to many people at the same time.

For teachers: a printed advertisement, notice, or directive intended for wide distribution to a specific group or the general public.

- The supermarket sends out a weekly circular with all the latest discounts.
- The local council distributed a circular to every household explaining the changes to the recycling collection schedule.

### 5. clothing

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a type of coat or cape without sleeves that is cut in a round shape.

For teachers: a sleeveless cloak or cape constructed from a circular pattern of fabric.

- The character in the old play wore a heavy wool circular to stay warm.
- The museum's costume collection includes a velvet circular from the mid-nineteenth century, remarkably well-preserved despite its age.

## Examples

- The local supermarket sends out a weekly circular with the latest deals.
- The council distributed a circular to every household in the district explaining the new recycling schedule.
- Before the digital age, retailers relied heavily on the Sunday circular to drive foot traffic into physical stores through time-sensitive coupons and exclusive offers.

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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.