encircle

verb

en·​cir·​cle in-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce encircle (audio)
en-
encircled; encircling; encircles
Synonyms of encirclenext

transitive verb

1
: to form a circle around : surround
2
: to pass completely around
encirclement
in-ˈsər-kəl-mənt How to pronounce encircle (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of encircle

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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.
In 2010, Cassini watched as a giant storm formed in Saturn's northern hemisphere, then grew to encircle the entire planet through 2011. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Earlier, the Houthis seized several villages and areas on Taiz's outskirts, paving the way for the rebels to encircle Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city. — Ahmed Al-Haj, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026 On Sunday, the group effectively encircled the key city of Taiz after cutting the main supply route linking it to the interim government capital of Aden. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 5 Oct. 2026 Thursday saw one of the heaviest days of fighting yet, after the Houthis launched an all-out offensive seeking to encircle the city. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for encircle

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Browse Nearby Words

encipherment
encircle
encirclement
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Cite this Entry

“Encircle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encircle. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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
-mənt How to pronounce encircle (audio)
noun
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