cir ‧ cus /ˈsɜːkəs $ ˈsɜːr-/ BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: 'circle, circus' , perhaps from Greek kirkos 'ring' ]
1 . [countable] a group of people and animals who travel to different places performing skilful tricks as entertainment
circus act (=a trick performed in a circus)
circus ring (=a large circular area where tricks are performed)
2 . [singular] informal a situation in which there is too much excitement or noise:
The first day of school is always such a circus.
The trial has turned into a media circus.
3 . [countable usually singular] British English a round open area where several streets join together, often used in place names:
Piccadilly Circus
4 . [countable] a place in ancient Rome where fights, races etc took place, with seats built in a circle