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
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.
Russia, with North Korean military support, has systematically targeted Ukrainian supply routes and is threatening to encircle Ukrainian troops in the region. Katya Soldak, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Tubular structures framed the models’ faces and encircled their hips, creating the illusion of exaggerated proportions, while pleats unfolded like corollas. Alice Pfeiffer, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 The park’s namesake lake, which is lovely and clear, is encircled by a hiking-and-backpacking trail that also makes room for mountain bikers along the way. Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025 Then, Naomi Campbell arrived at the Louvre for the first time in her career, marking the memory with a bouffant coif and her eyes encircled with dark liner. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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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