circle out
C1 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To move away from the middle in a circular or spiral pattern, going further and further out
Literal meaning: To circle (move in a circle) outward (away from the centre)
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To move in expanding circles away from a central starting point, as in a search pattern or ripple effect
"The rescue teams circled out from the last known location of the missing hikers."
Usage notes
Uncommon and not widely standardised as a phrasal verb. Used mainly in literal, physical descriptions of movement — e.g. search patterns, military manoeuvres, or the natural movement of ripples in water. Learners are more likely to encounter and need 'circle back' or 'circle in' than this form.
Commonly used with
ripples search pattern formation troops waves
Forms
Base
circle out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
circles out
he/she/it
Past simple
circled out
yesterday
Past participle
circled out
have + pp
-ing form
circling out
continuous
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