1cir·cle 
/ˈsɚkəl/ noun
plural circles /ˈsɚkəl/ noun [count] 1 a : a perfectly round shape : a line that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is the same distance from the center
▪ She drew a circle around the correct answer. — see picture at geometry
b : a path that goes around a central point
▪ She walked (around) in a circle. — often used figuratively ▪ We've been walking/driving in circles [=along the same path or course] for hours! ▪ We've been trying to decide how to improve the system, but we just keep going around in circles. [=we are not making any progress toward making a decision] ▪ I feel like I have been running around in circles with this project. ▪ The company has come up with some new products that will run circles around the competition. [=that will be much better than the competition; that will easily beat the competition] ▪ Those little kids can ski circles around me. [=can ski much better than I can] — see also full circle, traffic circle, vicious circle, winner's circle 2 a : an arrangement of people or things that forms a circle
▪ She arranged the stones in a circle. = She made a circle out of/with the stones. ▪ a circle of stones ▪ We formed a circle around the campfire.
b : something that is shaped like part of a circle
▪ He looked old and tired, with dark circles under his eyes. 3 : a group of people who do something together, are friends, belong to the same profession, etc.
▪ a sewing circle ▪ She has a large/wide circle of friends. ▪ the family circle [=the people in a family] ▪ She is well-known in banking/literary/professional/political circles. — see also charmed circle, inner circle 4 chiefly Brit : a balcony or upper level of seats in a theater
▪ She drew a circle around the correct answer. — see picture at geometry
b : a path that goes around a central point
▪ She walked (around) in a circle. — often used figuratively ▪ We've been walking/driving in circles [=along the same path or course] for hours! ▪ We've been trying to decide how to improve the system, but we just keep going around in circles. [=we are not making any progress toward making a decision] ▪ I feel like I have been running around in circles with this project. ▪ The company has come up with some new products that will run circles around the competition. [=that will be much better than the competition; that will easily beat the competition] ▪ Those little kids can ski circles around me. [=can ski much better than I can] — see also full circle, traffic circle, vicious circle, winner's circle
▪ She arranged the stones in a circle. = She made a circle out of/with the stones. ▪ a circle of stones ▪ We formed a circle around the campfire.
b : something that is shaped like part of a circle
▪ He looked old and tired, with dark circles under his eyes.
▪ a sewing circle ▪ She has a large/wide circle of friends. ▪ the family circle [=the people in a family] ▪ She is well-known in banking/literary/professional/political circles. — see also charmed circle, inner circle
