circus

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a place or event that is very noisy, busy, or disorganized.

n. a situation characterized by noisy, confused, or excessive activity; often used to describe media frenzies or disorganized events.

“The office became a total circus as everyone tried to finish their reports at the last minute.”

“The trial turned into a media circus, with hundreds of reporters camped outside the courthouse vying for a single quote from the lawyers.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. a round open area in a city where several streets meet.

n. a circular open space at the intersection of several streets, common in British urban planning.

“We met our friends at Piccadilly Circus before going to see a play.”

“The city's most famous circus serves as a major transport hub, connecting four primary arterial roads in the heart of the shopping district.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. a large, long building used for chariot races in ancient Rome.

n. an ancient Roman roofless enclosure, usually oblong with rounded ends, used primarily for chariot racing and gladiatorial games.

“The guide showed us the ruins of the ancient circus where chariots once raced.”

“Archaeological excavations revealed the original foundations of the circus, providing insight into the massive scale of Roman public entertainment.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to perform in a circus or to show something off in a loud, public way.

v. to perform in or as if in a circus; to parade or display something in a theatrical or public manner.

“The politician circused his ideas across the country to gain more votes.”

“The troupe circused through the provinces, bringing a fleeting sense of wonder to the isolated rural communities they visited.”