Definition Definition

circus - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'circus' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Circus [ n.]
- A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows.
- A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
- Circuit; space; inclosure.

Meaning of 'circus' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . circus [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
Example in sentence:
  • he ran away from home to join the circus
Meaning (2):
- a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment
Example in sentence:
  • it was so funny it was a circus;
  • the whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere
Meaning (3):
- a performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals
Example in sentence:
  • the children always love to go to the circus
Meaning (4):
- an arena consisting of an oval or circular area enclosed by tiers of seats and usually covered by a tent
Example in sentence:
  • they used the elephants to help put up the circus