I. ˌsərkəs, -ə̄k-, -əik- noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Latin, circle, ring, circus (sense 1) — more at circle
1.
a. : a large oblong or circular structure similar to an amphitheater and enclosed by tiers of seats on three or all four sides and used for athletic contests, exhibitions of horsemanship or in ancient times chariot racing and public especially gladiatorial spectacles — compare hippodrome , stadium
b. : a spectacle presented in such an area or structure
c.
(1) : a spectacular public entertainment given usually in a large tent and made up of acts of physical skill (as horsemanship) and daring (as gymnastic and aerial acrobatics) and acts with trained wild animals (as lions, tigers, and elephants) interspersed with showing off elaborate and colorful costumes and trappings and with informally interjected comedy by clowns and often accompanied by menageries and sideshows held in separate tents featuring biological freaks, trick acts (as sword swallowing and fire eating), and rather crude girly shows
(2) : the physical plant, livestock, and personnel of such a circus
the circus moved out of winter quarters in its special train
d. : an activity suggesting a circus
loudspeakers, parades, jazz records, rallies … made a circus of the noon hour — New Republic
e. slang : an especially lively or diverting entertainment
so funny it was a circus
men in boats are having a circus with mackerel, yellowtails, barracuda, and dolphin — Ford Times
2.
a. obsolete : circle , ring
b. Britain : an especially circular area at an intersection of streets — often used in proper names
Piccadilly Circus
c. : cirque 3
3. : flying circus
II. noun
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek kirkos hawk — more at circaetus
: a genus of hawks comprising the harriers — see marsh hawk
III. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: back-formation from circus movement
: to exhibit circus movements after an injury