# cirque

/ˈsɝk/ (US) · /sˈɜːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cirque
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. mountain hollow

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a large, bowl-shaped area high on a mountain that was carved out by a glacier.

For teachers: a steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain, caused by glacial erosion. The term is synonymous with 'corrie' in Scotland or 'cwm' in Wales.

- The hikers stopped to rest in the cirque, surrounded by high stone walls.
- The geological survey identified the cirque as a classic example of post-glacial landscape evolution, noting the deep tarn that had formed at its base.

Usage: Often used in geological descriptions of alpine environments.

### 2. a circle or ring

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

something that has the shape of a circle or a ring.

For teachers: a circular or ring-like form or structure. This sense is frequently employed in poetic contexts to describe natural or architectural arrangements.

- The ancient stones were arranged in a perfect cirque on the hill.
- The poet described the stars as a silver cirque revolving eternally around the silent peak of the mountain.

### 3. Roman circus

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

a large, open-air arena used in ancient Rome for public shows and races.

For teachers: a large arena or amphitheatre in ancient Rome, typically used for chariot racing and other public spectacles.

- The ruins of the old cirque still stand in the center of the city.
- Historians debated the original capacity of the cirque, comparing its dimensions to the more famous structures found in the capital.

## Examples

- The hikers reached the bottom of the cirque after a long climb.
- Geologists identified the cirque as a classic example of glacial activity from the last ice age.
- The valley floor was carved into a deep cirque by the relentless movement of ancient ice, leaving behind steep, smooth-walled cliffs that still echo with the sound of rushing water.

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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.