cir·cu·lar
ˈsər-kyə-lər 
1
2
a
: of or relating to a circle or its mathematical properties
a circular arc
b
: having a circular base or bases
a circular cylinder
3
4
: marked by or moving in a cycle
5
: being or involving reasoning that uses in the argument or proof a conclusion to be proved or one of its unproved consequences
6
: intended for circulation
a circular letter
: a paper (such as a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
Examples of circular in a Sentence
Adjective
That planet has a more circular orbit than our planet does.
a rather circular discussion of the problem that never addresses it directly
Noun
According to the circular, eggs are on sale this week.
promptly tosses out those advertising circulars that come in the newspaper
Recent Examples on the Web
David Szondy
august 02, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025
This circular rash, often with a clear center, gradually expands outward and may have the characterstic bull’s-eye appearance.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 June 2025
Distribution of these free circulars ended with Fred's retirement from NASA.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for circular
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
To do this, the team used a robotic arm equipped with a force and torque sensor to measure air flow in hundreds of spots inside a short model duct to build up a map that shows the unstable danger points in a circular duct and safer ones where the air currents cancel one another out.
—David Szondy
august 02, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2025
This circular rash, often with a clear center, gradually expands outward and may have the characterstic bull’s-eye appearance.
—Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
Up until 1994, the U.S. Naval Observatory routinely issued special circulars in advance of major solar eclipses.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 June 2025
Distribution of these free circulars ended with Fred's retirement from NASA.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for circular
Cite this Entry
“Circular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circular. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
circular
1 of 2 adjective
cir·cu·lar
ˈsər-kyə-lər
1
: having the form of a circle : round
a circular driveway
2
: passing or going around in a circle
circular motion
4
: sent around to a number of persons
a circular letter
circular
2 of 2 noun
: a printed notice or advertisement given or sent to many people
Medical Definition
circular
adjective
cir·cu·lar
ˈsər-kyə-lər
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