1a travelling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances, typically in a large tent, in a series of different places:I was thrilled by the annual visits of the circus [as modifier]:a circus elephant
informal a large group of people travelling together on the circuit of a particular high-profile activity:the Formula One grand prix circus
informal a public scene of frenetic, noisy, or confused activity:a media circus
2(in ancient Rome) a rounded or oval arena lined with tiers of seats, used for equestrian and other sports and games: [in names]:the Circus Maximus
3 [in place names]British a rounded open space in a town where several streets converge:Piccadilly Circus
