circus

noun

UK /ˈsɜː(r)kəs/

Word Forms

singular	circus
plural	circuses

1
countable a group of people, and usually animals, that travels from place to place and entertains people by performing skilful or funny movements and tricks
Synonyms and related words
Circuses, amusement parks and fairgrounds
amusement park
carnival
circus
1. 1a
  
  the circus
  a show with performers such as acrobats and clowns and animals such as elephants and horses that takes place in a large tent called a big top
  Can we go to the circus tomorrow?
  The kids want us to take them to the circus again.
  Synonyms and related words
  Circuses, amusement parks and fairgrounds
  amusement park
  carnival
  circus
2. 1b
  only before nounbelonging to or connected with a circus
  a circus acrobat/performer/animal/tent
  a circus act (=performance):
  a high-wire circus act
  Synonyms and related words
  Circuses, amusement parks and fairgrounds
  amusement park
  carnival
  circus
2
singular a situation in which there is too much excitement and uncontrolled activity
a media circus:
Some celebrities complained that the awards ceremony has become a media circus.
Synonyms and related words
Confused or confusing situations
chaos
farce
disarray
3
countable a circular area surrounded by rows of seats where people watched fights, races, and performances in ancient Rome
Synonyms and related words
Antiquity and ancient times
ancient
Anglo-Saxon
antiquity
4
countable Britisha circular area in a town where several streets cross one another
Piccadilly Circus
Synonyms and related words
Road and traffic signals and crossings
advanced green
Belisha beacon
box junction

circus

the circus

circus

the circus