Circus (Noun)
Meaning 1
An arena consisting of an oval or circular area enclosed by tiers of seats and usually covered by a tent; "they used the elephants to help put up the circus".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The smell of popcorn and sweat filled the air as the performers prepared for the show under the big top of the circus.
- The traveling circus arrived in town last night and the workers were busy setting up the tent and rigging.
- The children's eyes widened as they walked into the colorful circus and saw the trapeze artists swinging high above.
- The ringmaster welcomed everyone to the greatest show on earth, held annually in the large circus on the outskirts of the city.
- The family spent the day at the circus, watching the clowns, acrobats, and animal acts perform in the crowded and noisy arena.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals; "the children always love to go to the circus".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Meaning 3
A travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals; "he ran away from home to join the circus".
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Hypernyms
Meaning 4
A frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment; "it was so funny it was a circus"; "the whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Synonyms
Meaning 6
(antiquity) an open-air stadium for chariot races and gladiatorial games.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The Roman Emperor built a grand circus in the heart of the city to host elaborate games and spectacles.
- The crowd roared as the chariots thundered around the circus, their horses' hooves pounding the sandy track.
- Gladiators clashed in the center of the circus, their swords flashing in the sunlight as they fought for their lives.
- The Roman Circus was a place of both entertainment and terror, where the thrill of victory was often tempered by the agony of defeat.
- As the games drew to a close, the circus was bathed in a warm golden light, the air thick with the smell of sweat and smoke.