Circle
UK /["/ˈsɜːkl/"]/US /["/ˈsɜːrkl/"]/
Definition
a completely round flat shape
In simple words: A round shape with no corners or edges.
Examples
- The teacher asked us to draw a circle on the board.
- We went for a walk in the park and saw a circle of children playing.
- To improve his fitness, he decided to join a running circle in his neighborhood.
- The pizza was cut into eight equal pieces in a perfect circle.
- The gym has a large circle of friends who work out together every day.
Usage notes
Used to describe the shape or to refer to groups of people or things that are connected. Can be informal when referring to a group (e.g., 'My circle of friends').
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'circle' as 'see' and 'cl' for close — imagine a close round shape you can see.
Collocations
- complete
- full
- concentric
- draw
- trace
- describe
- in a/the circle
- circle of
- the area of a circle
- the circumference of a circle
- the diameter of a circle
- complete
- full
- concentric
- draw
- trace
- describe
- in a/the circle
- circle of
- the area of a circle
- the circumference of a circle
- the diameter of a circle
- complete
- full
- concentric
- draw
- trace
- describe
- in a/the circle
- circle of
- the area of a circle
- the circumference of a circle
- the diameter of a circle
- dress
- upper
- wide
- narrow
- small
- have
- move in
- join
- in a/the circle
- a circle of acquaintances
- a circle of admirers
- a circle of friends
Synonyms
- ring
- loop
- round
- disc
Antonyms
- square
- line
- triangle
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'circular' as an adjective.
- Using 'circle' inappropriately in plural form (e.g., use 'circles' when describing multiple shapes or groups).