ETYM Latin circus circle, ring, circus. Related to Circle, Cirque.
(Irregular plural: circuses).
1. (Ancient Rome) An open-air stadium for chariot races and gladiatorial games.
2. A frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a circus or carnival; SYN. carnival.
3. A travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals.
4. An oval or circular area enclosed by tiers of seats and usually covered by a tent.
5. Performance given by a traveling company of acrobats clowns and trained animals.

A genus of haws comprising the harriers; Also called: genus Circus.