encircle

verb

en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
en-
encircled; encircling; encircles
Synonyms of encirclenext

transitive verb

1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to pass completely around
encirclement
in-ˈsər-kəl-mənt How to pronounce encircle (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of encircle

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Examples of encircle in a Sentence

A crowd of reporters encircled the mayor. communication satellites encircling the earth
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its signature Hémisphère features fine grooves encircling each plate like rings around a planet. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 The zoning resolution for the Manhattanville extension explicitly forbids encircling any of the outdoor spaces with gates or fences. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Aug. 2026 Instead, the Integrated Field Spectroscopy unit on the JWST's Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) measured the motion of hydrogen gas swirling around at high velocity in the accretion disks encircling each black hole. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026 In 1951, Western Auto bought the building and invested more $300,000 in renovations and additions, including a new 30-ton, 70-by-73-foot sign displaying its name in massive red letters encircled by an arrow. — Rashad Alexander august 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encircle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enserclen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encircle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for encircle

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Browse Nearby Words

encipherment
encircle
encirclement
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Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

encircle

verb
en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to go completely around
encirclement
-mənt How to pronounce encircle (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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