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 of gold watches, silver handcuffs encircled their wrists. — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 There are no bleachers, so spectators set up lawn chairs encircling the field. — Kelenna Onukwugha, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 The home occupies the entire top floor of the high-rise, where more than 2,000 square feet of terraces encircle the residence. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The pair left their vehicle to find assistance, traversing salt flats toward Badwater Road, a two-lane highway encircled by mountains. — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 25 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 1 Sep. 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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