cirque Definition
a steep-sided, half-open mountain basin, formed by glaciation.
Using cirque: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cirque" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The climbers reached the cirque after a long hike.
Example
The lake in the cirque was crystal clear and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Example
The cirque is a popular spot for ice climbing and mountaineering.
cirque Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with cirque
Example
The cirque glacier slowly melted away over the years.
Example
The cirque moraine provided a natural barrier for the lake below.
hanging cirque
a cirque that is located high on a mountain slope and is not connected to a valley or other drainage system
Example
The hanging cirque was only accessible by helicopter.
Origins of cirque
from French 'circle', from Latin 'circulus'
Summary: cirque in Brief
'Cirque' [sɜːk] is a noun that refers to a steep-sided, half-open mountain basin formed by glaciation. It is often surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a popular spot for ice climbing and mountaineering. Examples include 'The climbers reached the cirque after a long hike.' and 'The lake in the cirque was crystal clear.'