circus
[ˈkɪr.kʊs]
The Latin word for 'circus' is circus.
The word refers to a company that travels. In a more formal context involving spectacles or shows, one might use the term venatio to describe a hunt or hunting. Additionally, if you are referring specifically to the famous ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, the term Circus Maximus is used.
Meaning: company that travels (noun)
Did you know?
- Roman circus events were often political tools used by emperors to provide 'bread and circuses' to keep the public content.
- The Circus Maximus was so immense that it could hold an estimated 150,000 to 250,000 spectators.
- The word circus can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)ker, which essentially describes the act of bending or curving.
Examples in context
- Hoc anno circus decem elephantes habet.This year the circus has ten elephants.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express that a circus possesses a certain number of elephants.Tatoeba #7037376 by alexmarcelo, translation #2259721 by _undertoad
Example conversation
Claudia and Lucius are discussing a poster they saw.
- ClaudiaVidesne hunc circum?Do you see this circus?
- LuciusIta, circus est optimus.Yes, the circus is excellent.
- ClaudiaVisne mecum ire?Do you want to go with me?
- LuciusIta, Lucius te sequitur.Yes, Lucius will follow you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry circus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries circus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
