Circumference — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /sər-ˈkəm(p)-f(ə-)rən(t)s/ cir·cum·fer·ence

Meaning & Definition of Circumference

Circumference (noun)

  1. the perimeter of a circle
  2. the external boundary or surface of a figure or object, periphery

Circumference (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the distance around a round body

    "the circumference of the earth at the equator"

    similar: girth
    related: ambit, circuit, compass, waistline, equator, diameter, radius, perimeter, periphery

  2. the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something

    "a silly little affair that's of interest to no one beyond the circumference of this campus"

    similar: border, borderline, bound, boundary, brim, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge
    related: ambit, brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip, ceiling, maximum, demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination, borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage, lap, shore
    near: center, core, heart, inner, inside, interior, middle, within

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Circumference

The most common words with a similar meaning to Circumference:

girth, border, borderline, bound, boundary, brim, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge

Related Words for Circumference

ambit, circuit, waistline, equator, diameter, radius, brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip, ceiling, maximum, demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination, borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage, lap, shore

Near Antonyms of Circumference

center, core, heart, inner, inside, interior, middle, within

Word Forms of Circumference

Derived words: circumferential (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Circumference

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry bear

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Circumference

What does "Circumference" mean?

"Circumference" means the perimeter of a circle. As a noun, it is defined as: the perimeter of a circle. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Circumference"?

Other words for "Circumference" include girth, border, borderline, bound, boundary, brim, compass and confines. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Circumference" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Circumference"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Circumference". Common alternatives include girth, border, borderline, bound, boundary, brim, compass, confines, edge and edging.

How do you use "Circumference" in a sentence?

Examples of "Circumference" in a sentence: "the circumference of the earth at the equator"; "a silly little affair that's of interest to no one beyond the circumference of this campus".

Is "Circumference" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Circumference" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Circumference"?

"Circumference" is pronounced /sər-ˈkəm(p)-f(ə-)rən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as cir·cum·fer·ence.

What is the origin of the word "Circumference"?

"Circumference" comes from Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry bear. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Circumference" meaning "the distance around a round body"?

When "Circumference" (noun) means the distance around a round body, synonyms include girth.