Synonyms for circus


Grammar : Noun
Spell : sur-kuh s
Phonetic Transcription : ˈsɜr kəs


Définition of circus

Origin :
  • late 14c., in reference to ancient Rome, from Latin circus "ring, circular line," which was applied by Romans to circular arenas for performances and contests and oval courses for racing (especially the Circus Maximus), from or cognate with Greek kirkos "a circle, a ring," from PIE *kirk- from root *(s)ker- "to turn, bend" (see ring (n.)).
  • In reference to modern large arenas for performances from 1791; sense then extended to the performing company, hence "traveling show" (originally traveling circus, 1838). Extended in World War I to squadrons of military aircraft. Meaning "lively uproar, chaotic hubbub" is from 1869. Sense in Picadilly Circus and other place names is from early 18c. sense "buildings arranged in a ring," also "circular road." The adjective form is circensian.
  • noun fair with entertainment
Example sentences :
  • The meeting was held in the vast auditorium of the Circus Building, which was filled.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • If Monsieur the Director of the Circus comes now he will go in the special car.
  • Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith
  • The first man to approach the wicket was the Director of the Circus.
  • Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith
  • It was a circus really, but that the worshippers did not know.
  • Extract from : « American Notes » by Rudyard Kipling
  • If you stop her off there, I dunno but she'd jine a circus or take to drink!
  • Extract from : « Tiverton Tales » by Alice Brown
  • It would not have a circus of its own, forsooth, but it would share in ours!
  • Extract from : « Meadow Grass » by Alice Brown
  • And still the circus advanced, and the horse snorted and backed.
  • Extract from : « Meadow Grass » by Alice Brown
  • The circus had been the sole topic of conversation for a fortnight.
  • Extract from : « The Village Watch-Tower » by (AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
  • Why, they'll come as far to see your house as they will to the circus!
  • Extract from : « The Village Watch-Tower » by (AKA Kate Douglas Riggs) Kate Douglas Wiggin
  • The other boys stood there watching the "circus," as Tubby called it.
  • Extract from : « The Boy Scouts on Belgian Battlefields » by Lieut. Howard Payson

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019