# encircling

/ɛnˈsɝkəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛnsˈɜːklɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/encircling
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to go all the way around something, like a circle, to surround it. You use this when you want to describe someone or something going around an object or a person.

For teachers: to move or extend all the way around something, forming a circle or ring. Transitive — requires a direct object to indicate what is being surrounded.

## Examples

- The runners are encircling the track for the final lap.
- The police officers began encircling the building to prevent the suspect from escaping through the back door.
- As the storm intensified, the dark clouds began encircling the mountain peak, casting a long shadow over the valley below.

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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.