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circus

[ˈsɜːrkəs]

circus Definition

  • 1a traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent
  • 2a public scene of frenetic and noisily intrusive activity

Using circus: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "circus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The circus is coming to town next week.

  • Example

    The children were thrilled by the circus performers.

  • Example

    The political circus surrounding the election was exhausting.

  • Example

    The media circus surrounding the celebrity's scandal was overwhelming.

circus Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for circus

Antonyms for circus

Phrases with circus

  • to leave one's current life or situation to join a traveling group of performers

    Example

    After her divorce, she decided to run away to the circus and start a new life as an acrobat.

  • three-ring circus

    a situation or event that is chaotic, confusing, or complicated

    Example

    The meeting turned into a three-ring circus with everyone talking over each other and no clear decisions being made.

  • a presentation or event that is flashy and impressive but has little substance or value

    Example

    The CEO's presentation was just a dog and pony show with no real plans for improving the company.

Origins of circus

from Latin 'circus', meaning 'ring'

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Summary: circus in Brief

A 'circus' [ˈsɜːrkəs] is a traveling company of performers that puts on shows, often in a circular tent. It can include acrobats, clowns, and trained animals. The term also refers to a public scene of frenzied activity, as in 'The political circus surrounding the election was exhausting.' Phrases like 'run away to the circus' and 'three-ring circus' extend the metaphorical use of the term.

How do native speakers use this expression?