circus

/ˈsɜrkəs/
noun
  1. A traveling show featuring performers such as acrobats, clowns, and trained animals, often in a large tent.
    • The children were thrilled when the circus came to town with elephants and trapeze artists.
    • My favorite part of the circus is watching the clowns make everyone laugh.
    • We bought tickets to see the circus under the big top.
  2. A chaotic, noisy, or disorganized situation or event.
    • The courtroom became a circus when the celebrity arrived.
    • Trying to get five kids ready for school on time is a daily circus.
    • The press conference turned into a complete circus with reporters shouting over each other.
  3. In ancient Rome, a large oval or circular arena used for chariot races and public spectacles.
    • Gladiator fights sometimes took place in the circus as well.
    • The Circus Maximus in Rome could hold over 150,000 spectators.
    • Charioteers competed fiercely in the Roman circus.
What does "circus" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean