circus
/ˈsɜːkəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɜːrkəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsər-kəs/ (ame, mw)
circus — noun
- circussingular
- circusesplural
1. travelling entertainers — such as clowns and acrobats, along with trained animal
travelling entertainers — such as clowns and acrobats, along with trained animals in some shows — who give performances under a big tent as they move from place to place
Leila's parents took her to the circus for her seventh birthday.
collocation: go to the circus
The circus performers walked through town carrying bright banners and flags.
attributive noun: circus performers
Aiko dreamed of joining the circus and becoming a trapeze artist.
The big circus tent went up overnight in the empty field near the river.
Kofi loved watching the clowns at the circus more than any other act.
- carnival
larger event with rides and games, not limited to acrobatic performances
- big top
refers specifically to the circus tent, often used as a nickname for the whole circus
- travelling show
broader term that may not include animals or acrobats
文法句型
the + circus
circus + noun (attributive)
用法筆記
Usually used with the definite article: the circus. Often appears in compound nouns to describe performers or equipment: circus performer, circus tent, circus act.
常見錯誤
2. a noisy and confused situation full of over-the-top behaviour, especially one th
a noisy and confused situation full of over-the-top behaviour, especially one that draws intense public interest
The trial turned into a media circus with journalists camped outside the court.
figurative usage: media circus
Rohan refused to take part in the circus of online arguments and insults.
informal register: the circus of + noun
What began as a local planning meeting became a political circus on national news.
Yara said the family dinner had turned into a circus of competing opinions.
文法句型
a + adjective + circus
turn into a circus
用法筆記
This sense is figurative and informal. Usually singular. Often preceded by an adjective describing the type of chaos (media circus, political circus) or paired with the verb phrase 'turn into'. Not used for genuine entertainment events.
3. a roughly circular junction where multiple roads converge in a city, frequently
a roughly circular junction where multiple roads converge in a city, frequently forming part of a location name
The nearest tube station is a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus.
proper noun in place name: Piccadilly Circus
Diego waited for his friend at the circus where five roads come together.
collocation: at the circus (as location)
The hotel is located near a busy circus in the centre of the city.
From her hotel window, Noa watched the traffic flow around the circus below.
- roundabout
a smaller circular intersection, often with traffic lights or yield signs
- traffic circle
American English term for a circular intersection
文法句型
the + proper name + Circus
at the circus
用法筆記
Common in British place names such as Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus in London. As a common noun, it describes a circular road intersection similar to a roundabout but often larger and more open.
常見錯誤
4. a touring group of professional athletes and their support team who travel to di
a touring group of professional athletes and their support team who travel to different cities to play matches
The Australian cricket circus arrived in England for the summer test matches.
UK sports usage: cricket circus
Ravi followed the tennis circus from one tournament city to the next.
pattern: the [sport] circus
The football circus included players, coaches, and medical staff on the road.
Wen wrote a story about the golf circus and its journey across Asia.
- touring squad
more formal and narrower, usually for individual sports like tennis or golf
- travelling team
more general and less colourful
文法句型
the + [sport] + circus
用法筆記
Primarily used in British sports journalism. Often preceded by the name of the sport (cricket circus, tennis circus). Conveys a sense of a large travelling operation rather than just a team.