circus in WordNet English dictionary

1. a frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a large public entertainment
   "it was so funny it was a circus"; "the whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere"
   circus  carnival 
   
2. a performance given by a traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and trained animals
   "the children always love to go to the circus"
   circus 
   
3. an arena consisting of an oval or circular area enclosed by tiers of seats and usually covered by a tent
   "they used the elephants to help put up the circus"
   circus 
   
4. (antiquity) an open-air stadium for chariot races and gladiatorial games
   circus 
   
5. a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
   "he ran away from home to join the circus"
   circus