WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
cir•cu•lar /ˈsɜrkyəlɚ/USA pronunciation
adj.
n. [countable]
cir•cu•lar•ly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- having the form of a circle; round:A bright, circular object suddenly appeared in the sky.
- of or relating to a circle:[usually: before a noun]the circular diameter.
- moving in or forming a circle or a circuit:a circular path.
- Philosophyattempting to prove a conclusion by using a statement that depends on the conclusion:a circular argument.
- [before a noun](of a letter, etc.) intended for general circulation.
n. [countable]
- a letter or notice intended for the public or for anyone to see:She posted the circular on the bulletin board.
cir•cu•lar•ly, adv.
cir•cu•lar
(sûr′kyə lər),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
cir′cu•lar′i•ty, cir′cu•lar•ness, n.
cir′cu•lar•ly, adv.
- having the form of a circle;
round:a circular tower. - of or pertaining to a circle:a circular plane.
- moving in or forming a circle or a circuit:the circular rotation of the earth.
- moving or occurring in a cycle or round:the circular succession of the seasons.
- roundabout;
indirect;
circuitous:a circular route. - Philosophy[Logic.]of or pertaining to reasoning in which the conclusion is ostensibly proved, but in actuality it or its equivalent has been assumed as a premise.
- pertaining to a circle or set of persons.
- (of a letter, memorandum, etc.) addressed to a number of persons or intended for general circulation.
n.
- a letter, advertisement, notice, or statement for circulation among the general public.
- Latin circulāris, equivalent. to circul(us) circle + -āris -ar1
- late Middle English 1375–1425
cir′cu•lar•ly, adv.
- 9.See corresponding entry in Unabridged handbill, flier, leaflet.
'circularity' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):