circular

[sur-kyuh-ler]

adjective

1. having the form of a circle; round.

   a circular tower.

2. of or relating to a circle.

   a circular plane.

3. moving in or forming a circle or a circuit.

   the circular rotation of the earth.

4. moving or occurring in a cycle or round.

   the circular succession of the seasons.

5. roundabout; indirect; circuitous.

   a circular route.

6. Logic.,  of or relating to reasoning in which the conclusion is ostensibly proved, but in actuality it or its equivalent has been assumed as a premise.

7. pertaining to a circle or set of persons.

8. (of a letter, memorandum, etc.) addressed to a number of persons or intended for general circulation.

noun

1. Also circ a letter, advertisement, notice, or statement for circulation among the general public.

   Synonyms: leaflet, flier, handbill

circular

/ ˈsɜːkjʊlə, ˌsɜːkjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, involving, resembling, or shaped like a circle

2. circuitous

3. (of arguments) futile because the truth of the premises cannot be established independently of the conclusion

4. travelling or occurring in a cycle

5. (of letters, announcements, etc) intended for general distribution

noun

1. a printed or duplicated advertisement or notice for mass distribution

Other Word Forms

• circularity noun
• circularly adverb
• circularness noun
• noncircular adjective
• noncircularly adverb
• subcircular adjective
• subcircularly adverb
• uncircular adjective
• uncircularly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of circular¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin circulāris, equivalent to circul(us), circlus “a circular form or figure; a ring or circle” + -āris adjective suffix; circle, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

Though best known for the enduring Los Angeles landmark, Naidorf’s legacy spans far beyond the legendary circular tower, which was the world’s first round office building.

From Los Angeles Times

To optimize space, he proposed a bold new concept — circular office buildings — unwittingly foreshadowing what would later become his most iconic project.

From Los Angeles Times

Sorting through debris, he fishes out rusted metal pieces — some circular, some straight, though bent by heat.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’ll be in a resource recovery model, where nothing’s wasted, and we’ll be enjoying a circular economy. ... It feels dramatic, but from what we’ve seen up close with our organization, it’s very much possible.”

From Los Angeles Times

During the first stage, which occurs three to 30 days after a tick bite, a person can develop a circular rash around the site of the bite.

From Los Angeles Times