n.
(pl. circuses)
- a travelling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances typically in a large tent.
- (in ancient Rome) a circular or oval sporting arena lined with tiers of seats.
- informal a scene of lively activity.
- Brit. a circular open space in a town where several streets converge:
Piccadilly Circus.
Etymology
ME: from L., ‘ring or circus’.