encircle

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to pass completely around
encirclement noun

Examples of encircle in a Sentence

A crowd of reporters encircled the mayor. communication satellites encircling the earth
Recent Examples on the Web Listeners are encircled in rich and richly present sound — and, woe to the jet-lagged, tucked into dangerously comfortable seats (designed by the German automaker Recaro). Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 As Negrete looks the man over, crowds of people encircle the tent, craning to see the day’s injured. Toby Muse, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2024 The elastic bands of the sheet should now be encircling your hand. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2024 Out back, the park-like grounds encircle an outdoor fireplace flanked by its own lounge area, and there are multiple spaces dedicated to al fresco dining or sunbathing. James McClain, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 It’s encircled by a Wall of Honor that lists all 209,145 troops and their regiments. Donna M. Owens, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 The painting is about 24 inches by 30 inches and is encircled by a gold-colored frame, according to Englewood police on Facebook. Michael Braithwaite, The Denver Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Owens Lake evaporated into a brine pool encircled by vast salt flats after its inflows were diverted to Los Angeles in 1913. Louis Sahagún, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2024 Shelling of Gaza shelter kills 9, wounds scores of Palestinians Israeli ground forces have encircled the southern city of Khan Younis, Gaza’s second largest, the military said Wednesday. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encircle.' 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near encircle

Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on encircle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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