a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
"he ran away from home to join the circus"
a performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals
"the children always love to go to the circus"
(antiquity) an open-air stadium for chariot races and gladiatorial games
"The ancient Roman circus was designed as a vast open-air stadium where spectators gathered to watch thrilling chariot races and gladiatorial games."
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"
a genus of haws comprising the harriers
"The ornithologist noted that several birds in the circus genus were migrating south to avoid the harsh winter."
A traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent.
"The family bought tickets to see the circus perform its daring aerial stunts under the big top."
In plain English: A circus is a traveling show featuring performers who do amazing tricks with animals, acrobats, and clowns for an audience to watch.
"The town was full of excitement when the circus arrived."
Usage: Use "circus" to describe the traveling group of performers featuring acrobats and clowns. When referring metaphorically to chaotic situations, it implies disorderly behavior rather than literal entertainment.
To take part in a circus; or to be displayed as if in a circus
"The clown jumped out of his bag and performed tricks on the tightrope while the audience cheered wildly."
In plain English: To circus means to move around wildly and uncontrollably, usually because you are very excited or panicked.
"The street performer decided to circus his way through the crowd by balancing on a unicycle and juggling oranges."
The word circus entered Middle English from Latin, where it originally meant a "ring" or "circle." This term traces back to Ancient Greek roots describing something bent or turned.