Collocations for "circle"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "circle" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
circle
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- a [half, full, semi-] circle
- [a complete, an incomplete] circle
- [draw, paint, make] a circle (on)
- [draw] a circle around the
- in the shape of a circle
- the [radius, diameter, area, circumference, center] of the circle
- the circle's [radius]
- idiom: (try to) square the circle
- The [story, day] has come (around) full circle.
- has gone full circle (now)
- [seems, is] like a vicious circle
- has a wide circle of [power, influence, allies]
- her [close, wide, select, immediate] circle of friends
- is a [member, part] of her inner circle
- a circle of [artists, dancers, performers]
- have been driving around in circles (for hours)
- We're going around in circles!
- the circle of life
- has dark circles under her eyes
- circle the [correct, right, best] answer
- circle [it] with a [pen, pencil, marker]
- vultures were circling [over our heads, overhead, around]
- circle the globe
- the [aircraft, plane, helicopter] was circling (the area)
- was circled by a [wall, fence]
- the [wall] circled the [city, castle, field]
- circle back (around)
'circle' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):