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circus

n. · v.
US //ˈsɝkəs// UK //sˈɜːkəs// cir·cus
  1. 1 travelling show (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a group of performers like clowns, acrobats, and magicians who travel to different places to put on shows.

    a travelling company of performers, typically including acrobats, clowns, and trained animals, performing in a circular arena.

    Example

    The children were excited when the circus came to town and set up a big tent.

    Example

    The traditional circus featured a variety of death-defying aerial acts and slapstick comedy routines that appealed to audiences of all ages.
  2. 2 chaotic situation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The trial turned into a media circus, with hundreds of reporters camped outside the courthouse vying for a single quote from the lawyers.
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  1. 3 circular junction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The city's most famous circus serves as a major transport hub, connecting four primary arterial roads in the heart of the shopping district.
  2. 4 ancient Roman arena (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Archaeological excavations revealed the original foundations of the circus, providing insight into the massive scale of Roman public entertainment.
  3. 5 to perform or display (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

From Middle English circus, circo, from Latin circus (“ring, circle”), from Ancient Greek κρίκος (kríkos), κίρκος (kírkos, “ring”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to bend, turn”). Doublet of cirque. Cognate with Old English hring (whence English ring) and Old English hringsetl (“circus”, literally “ring-seat”).

Idioms2 entries

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