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.
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 Other upgrades to the park are also in the works, including an iron fence that would encircle the green space. — Hanna Kang, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 The paint color that encircles the wallpaper is important, but Chloe Redmond Warner says the bread should be the least exciting part of this sandwich. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026 The pendant, which is encircled by diamonds, also includes a heart between the initials. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 3 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 21 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

More from Merriam-Webster on encircle

Nglish: Translation of encircle for Spanish Speakers

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