Etymology Map
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Circus

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a travelling show with acrobats and animals

Where does the word "circus" come from? It comes from Greek kirkos, passing through Latin before entering English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
kirkos
Greek · ancient
"ring"
Greek for a ring or circle
2
Stage 2 of 3
circus
Latin · ancient
"racecourse"
Rome's Circus Maximus held chariot races
3
Stage 3 of 3
circus
English · 1540s
"Roman racecourse"
travelling circuses date from the 1790s
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Read the full story

Circus’s story begins in Greek: kirkos meant “ring.” Greek for a ring or circle. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as circus. Rome's Circus Maximus held chariot races. It reached English by 1540s as circus. Travelling circuses date from the 1790s. Today, circus means a travelling show with acrobats and animals.