circus

Universal Words noun 1 [C] a group of entertainers, sometimes with trained animals, who perform skilful or amusing acts in a show that travels around to different places: circus acrobats / clowns / elephants 2 (the circus) [sing.] a show performed by circus entertainers, usually in a large tent called a BIGTOP: We took the children to the circus. 3 [sing.] (informal, disapproving) a group of people or an event that attracts a lot of attention: A media circus surrounded the royal couple wherever they went. * the American electoral circus 4 [C] (BrE) (used in some place names) a round open area in a town where several streets meet: Piccadilly Circus 5 [C] (in ancient Rome) a place like a big round outdoor theatre for public games, races, etc.