circling
word · lemma: circle
/ˈsɝkəɫɪŋ/
SUR-kling
/sˈɜːklɪŋ/
SUR-kling
Definition
Moving around something in a circular path, or repeatedly going around it. It can also mean waiting or being indecisive, especially in conversation.
Usage & Nuances
Used literally for physical movement (birds circling in the sky) or figuratively (someone circling a topic in conversation). Common collocations: 'keep circling', 'been circling for hours'. Often not used for fast or straight movement.
Spanish: dando vueltas - rodeandoPortuguese (BR): circulando - dando voltasPortuguese (PT): a dar voltas - a circularChinese (Simplified): 盘旋 - 环绕Chinese (Traditional): 盤旋 - 繞圈Hindi: चक्कर लगानाArabic: يدور حولBengali: ঘুরছে - চক্কর দিচ্ছেRussian: кружит - обходя по кругуJapanese: 旋回している - 回っているVietnamese: bay quanh - lượn quanhKorean: 맴도는 - 빙글빙글 도는Turkish: dolaşmak - etrafında dönmekUrdu: گھوم رہا ہے - چکر لگا رہا ہےIndonesian: berputar - mengitari
Example Sentences
The plane was circling the airport, waiting to land.
basic
Vultures were circling high above the desert.
basic
He kept circling the answer but wouldn't say it out loud.
basic
She noticed sharks circling near the boat.
natural
My dog keeps circling before lying down.
natural
We’ve been circling the parking lot looking for a spot for 20 minutes.
natural