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circle up

B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To get together and stand or sit in a circle

Literal meaning: To circle (arrange in a circle) upward (into a formed, complete configuration)

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To gather together and form a circle, typically as a group activity or in response to a command

"The teacher asked all the children to circle up on the mat before story time."

2 B2 neutral

Of wagons or vehicles: to arrange into a circular defensive formation

"The pioneers circled up the wagons for the night to protect themselves from attack."

Usage notes

Often used as a command or instruction, especially in educational, military, sports, or outdoor settings: 'Everyone circle up!' Common in American English outdoor education (e.g. scouts, team activities, camps). Also used for wagons forming a defensive circle in historical contexts. Gaining some use in business team-building contexts.

Commonly used with

everyone wagons team group troops students

Forms

Base
circle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
circles up
he/she/it
Past simple
circled up
yesterday
Past participle
circled up
have + pp
-ing form
circling up
continuous

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