circus

• Sustantivo que designa una compañía itinerante de artistas, como acróbatas, payasos y animales amaestrados, o su espectáculo; también se usa para referirse a una situación caótica o desorganizada, o, históricamente, a la antigua arena abierta para carreras de carros y juegos de gladiadores.

A noun referring to a traveling company of entertainers, including acrobats, clowns, and trained animals, or the performance they give; also used to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation, or historically, an ancient open-air arena for chariot races and gladiatorial games.

1. Traveling entertainment companyA2formal

   A traveling group of performers, such as acrobats, clowns, and trainers with animals, who put on shows.

   circo ambulante

   • The circus came to town with its colorful tents and performers.
   • She ran away to join the circus when she was young.
   • The circus featured a famous lion tamer.

   Sinónimosbig toptroupe

2. Performance or showA2formal

   A public performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals.

   Circo (espectáculo)

   • We took the children to see the circus last night.
   • The circus performance included jugglers and tightrope walkers.
   • The highlight of the circus was the trapeze act.

   Sinónimosbig topextravaganzaperformanceshowspectacle

3. Chaotic or disorderly situationB1informal

   A situation that is very noisy, confused, and disorganized, often in a humorous way.

   circo (figurado)

   • The classroom turned into a circus when the teacher left.
   • The press conference was a complete circus with reporters shouting questions.
   • The meeting was a circus; nobody could agree on anything.

   Sinónimosbedlamchaoscommotionmadhousemayhempandemoniumthree-ring circuszoo

   Antónimoscalmorderpeacetranquility

4. Ancient Roman arenaB2formal

   In ancient times, an open-air stadium used for chariot races and gladiatorial contests.

   Circo romano

   • The Circus Maximus in Rome could hold over 150,000 spectators.
   • Chariot races were the most popular events in the ancient circus.
   • Gladiators fought in the circus for the entertainment of the crowd.

   Sinónimoshippodrome

5. Arena or performance spaceB1formal

   An oval or circular area surrounded by seats, often covered by a tent, used for performances.

   Pista de circo

   • The circus tent was set up in the middle of the field.
   • The performers entered the circus arena to loud applause.
   • The seating around the circus was arranged in tiers.

   Sinónimosamphitheaterarenaring