/ ˈsɜːkəs; NAmE ˈsɜːrkəs/ noun
1.
[ C ] a group of entertainers, sometimes with trained animals, who perform skilful or amusing acts in a show that travels around to different places
2.
the circus [ sing. ] a show performed by circus entertainers, usually in a large tent called a big top :
We took the children to the circus.
3.
[ sing. ] ( informal , disapproving ) a group of people or an event that attracts a lot of attention :
A media circus surrounded the royal couple wherever they went.
the American electoral circus
4.
[ C ] ( BrE ) (used in some place names) a round open area in a town where several streets meet :
Piccadilly Circus
5.
[ C ] ( in ancient Rome ) a place like a big round outdoor theatre for public games, races, etc.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (with reference to the arena of Roman antiquity): from Latin , ring or circus . The sense travelling company of performers dates from the late 18th cent.