circular
shaped like a circle or disk
Having a round, circle-like shape.
a circular [object]
- They sat around a large circular table in the meeting room.
- The architect suggested a circular window to let in more light.
- She wore a simple necklace with a small circular pendant.
- The cake came in a circular tin that was hard to open.
- A circular mirror hung above the fireplace.
- The children sat in a circular space on the floor.
- We bought a circular rug for the living room.
- There is a circular hole in the wall.
- I like this circular plate more than the square one.
- The coin has a smooth circular edge.
moving or arranged in a circle
Going in or making a round path, not straight.
a circular [route / path / movement]
- We took a circular route through the park and ended up back at the gate.
- The runners trained on a circular track outside the stadium.
- The satellite follows a nearly circular orbit around the Earth.
- The dancers moved in a slow circular pattern around the stage.
- The hiking trail is circular, so you finish where you started.
- The bus goes on a circular route around the city.
- We walked on a circular path by the lake.
- The planet moves in a circular line around the sun.
- The cars drove in a circular way around the fountain.
- The race takes place on a circular track.
using faulty self‑supporting logic
Describing an argument that is bad because it uses its own conclusion as a reason to believe that conclusion.
a circular [argument / explanation / definition]
- The lawyer objected that the testimony was based on a circular argument.
- Her explanation of success was circular, saying that rich people win because winners are rich.
- The philosopher pointed out the circular reasoning in the theory.
- The committee rejected the proposal because its justification was obviously circular.
- A good definition should not be circular or simply repeat the word being defined.
- The teacher said my answer was a circular argument.
- His idea uses circular reasoning, so it is not strong.
- The example in the book is bad because the logic is circular.
- She gave a circular explanation that did not really explain anything.
- We learned not to use circular definitions in our essays.
operating in a closed, repeating cycle
Describing a system where things go in a loop and are used again instead of being thrown away or stopped.
a circular [process / system / model / economy]
- Many governments are promoting a circular economy to reduce waste.
- The company redesigned its supply chain to create a more circular system.
- In a circular process, materials are recovered and fed back into production.
- The report argues that circular business models can be profitable and sustainable.
- Water in the plant is used in a circular loop instead of being released after one use.
- They want to build a circular economy with less waste.
- A circular system uses things again and again.
- In this circular process, old parts become new products.
- The new plan is more circular and better for the environment.
- A circular model is not a straight line; it is like a loop.
letter or notice sent widely
A paper or email message that is sent to many people at once, usually with the same text.
send a circular to [people / members / customers]
- The school sent a circular to all parents about the new rules.
- Staff received an internal circular explaining the policy change.
- Residents complained about the number of advertising circulars left in their mailboxes.
- The ministry issued a circular to local authorities on how to apply the new law.
- A colorful circular from the supermarket listed the weekly discounts.
- Our company sent a circular to all workers.
- I got a shopping circular in the mail today.
- The teacher read an important circular from the school office.
- The government wrote a circular to every hospital.
- They printed many circulars and gave them to people on the street.
- Base: circular
- Base: circular
- Plural: circulars
circular argument
1an argument that proves itself
A bad argument that tries to prove something by using that same thing as a reason.
- Saying "I am right because I am never wrong" is a circular argument.
- The professor asked the class to find the circular argument in the article.
- Their defense of the policy was just a circular argument that repeated the conclusion.
circular economy
1economic system based on reuse and recycling
An economic system where products, parts, and materials are used again and again, instead of being thrown away after one use.
- Many cities are trying to move from a linear model to a circular economy.
- A circular economy can reduce waste and create new jobs in recycling and repair.
circular letter
1standard letter sent to many people
A letter that is copied and sent to many people with the same message.
- The company sent a circular letter to all clients announcing the change of address.
- Members received a circular letter explaining the new membership rules.
circular reasoning
1faulty logic using itself as proof
Thinking in a wrong way where your reason and your answer are basically the same thing.
- The article is full of circular reasoning and never gives real evidence.
- Teachers often warn students to avoid circular reasoning in their essays.
circular saw
1power tool with a round blade
A power tool with a fast-spinning round blade that is used to cut wood and other materials.
- He used a circular saw to cut the wooden boards.
- Always wear safety glasses when operating a circular saw.