circumference

noun

cir·​cum·​fer·​ence sər-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s How to pronounce circumference (audio)
sə-,
-f(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: the perimeter of a circle
The circle measures 22 inches in circumference.
2
: the external boundary or surface of a figure or object : periphery
from the center to the circumference of the sphere
circumferential adjective

Did you know?

Attempts have been made to measure the circumference of the earth since the time of Aristotle. The calculation that Columbus was relying on led him to think he could reach China by sailing west more quickly than by sailing east. But that measurement had calculated the earth's circumference as about a quarter too small, and the rest is history. Columbus wasn't the only one who got it wrong; many later attempts continued to produce different measurements for the earth's circumference—even though the Greeks had calculated it correctly way back in the 3rd century B.C.

Examples of circumference in a Sentence

What is the circumference of the Earth at the equator? The circle is 38 inches in circumference. The fence marks the circumference of the field.
Recent Examples on the Web According to the suit, which was filed in April in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division, and records obtained by ABC News, at about four months after his birth, Jason presented with an enlarging head circumference and vomiting. Dhanika Pineda, ABC News, 25 June 2024 In math terms, pi is the circumference (the distance around the outside of the circle) divided by the diameter (the distance edge-to-edge of a circle when measured through the center). Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 6 June 2024 It’s strongly associated with obesity, in which neck circumference and fat are thought to play a role in collapsing airways to reduce or fully block airflow. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024 The larger the searchlight, the larger the circumference of the unknown. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for circumference 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circumference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumference was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near circumference

Cite this Entry

“Circumference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumference. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

circumference

noun
cir·​cum·​fer·​ence sə(r)-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s How to pronounce circumference (audio)
-f(ə-)rən(t)s
1
: a line that goes around or encloses a circle
2
: the outer boundary of a figure or area
3
: the distance around something
the circumference of the earth at the equator
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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