Cirque vs. Circus: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024
Cirque is a natural amphitheater-like valley formed by glacial erosion, while a circus is a traveling entertainment show featuring acrobats, clowns, and animals. Cirque refers to a geographical feature, whereas circus refers to a form of performance art.
Key Differences
A cirque is a bowl-shaped, steep-walled mountain basin typically formed by glacial erosion. These geological formations are found in mountainous regions and are often the starting points for glaciers. Cirques are characterized by their amphitheater-like appearance and are prominent features in landscapes shaped by glacial activity. A circus, on the other hand, is a traveling entertainment show that includes performances by acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other acts. Circuses have a rich history and are known for their colorful tents, lively performances, and diverse range of acts that entertain audiences of all ages.
Cirques are significant in the study of geology and geomorphology, as they provide insights into past glacial movements and climatic conditions. They are natural features often found in high-altitude environments and contribute to the scenic beauty of mountainous landscapes. Circuses focus on entertainment and performance art, traveling from place to place to bring joy and amusement to people. The acts performed in a circus are often highly skilled and require extensive training and practice. Circuses have evolved over time but maintain their core elements of fun and spectacle.
While cirques are naturally occurring landforms that result from geological processes, circuses are human-made events that combine artistry and showmanship. Both offer unique experiences, but in entirely different contexts one in nature and the other in the realm of entertainment.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Bowl-shaped valley formed by glacial erosion
Traveling entertainment show with acrobats, clowns, and animals
Origin
Natural geological formation
Human-made performance art
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Location
Mountainous regions
Various locations, often in large tents
Focus
Geological and geomorphological interest
Entertainment and performance
Characteristics
Steep-walled, amphitheater-like basin
Includes acrobats, clowns, animals, and various acts
Cirque and Circus Definitions
Cirque
Found in high-altitude environments.
Cirques are common in the Rocky Mountains and the Alps.
Circus
Known for its colorful tents and lively performances.
The circus tent was set up in the park, drawing large crowds.
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Cirque
A bowl-shaped, steep-walled valley formed by glacial erosion.
The hikers marveled at the large cirque at the base of the mountain.
Circus
Includes a diverse range of acts that entertain audiences.
The circus featured a trapeze artist who wowed the crowd with daring stunts.
Cirque
Often the starting point for glaciers.
The cirque was once filled with glacial ice during the last Ice Age.
Circus
Has a rich history dating back centuries.
Circuses have been a popular form of entertainment since the 18th century.
Cirque
Contributes to the scenic beauty of mountainous landscapes.
The pristine lake in the cirque was a popular spot for photographers.
Circus
Requires extensive training and practice for performers.
The circus acrobats practiced daily to perfect their routines.
Cirque
Significant in the study of geology and geomorphology.
Researchers study cirques to understand glacial dynamics and history.
Circus
A traveling entertainment show with performances by acrobats, clowns, and animals.
The circus came to town, bringing joy and excitement to the community.
Cirque
A steep bowl-shaped hollow occurring at the upper end of a mountain valley, especially one forming the head of a glacier or stream. Also called cwm.
Circus
A public entertainment consisting typically of a variety of performances by acrobats, clowns, and often trained animals.
Cirque
A ring; a circle.
Circus
A traveling company that performs such entertainments.
Cirque
(geology) A curved depression in a mountainside with steep walls, forming the end of a valley.
Circus
A circular arena, surrounded by tiers of seats and often covered by a tent, in which such shows are performed.
Cirque
Something in the shape of a circle or ring, such as a Roman circus.
Circus
A roofless oval enclosure surrounded by tiers of seats that was used in antiquity for public spectacles.
Cirque
A circle; a circus; a circular erection or arrangement of objects.
A dismal cirqueOf Druid stones upon a forlorn moor.
Circus
Chiefly British An open circular place where several streets intersect.
Cirque
A kind of circular valley in the side of a mountain, walled around by precipices of great height.
Circus
(Informal) Something suggestive of a circus, as in frenetic activity or noisy disorder
"I was amazed at the amount of hubbub in the lobby ... it was a circus. The check-in area brought to mind a mustering station on a foundering cruise ship" (Bill Bryson).
Cirque
A steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain; may contain a lake
Circus
A traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent.
The circus will be in town next week.
Circus
A round open space in a town or city where multiple streets meet.
Oxford Circus in London is at the north end of Regent Street.
Circus
(figurative) A spectacle; a noisy fuss; a chaotic and/or crowded place.
Circus
(historical) In the ancient Roman Empire, a building for chariot racing.
Circus
A code name for bomber attacks with fighter escorts in the day time. The attacks were against short-range targets with the intention of occupying enemy fighters and keeping their fighter units in the area concerned.
Circus
(obsolete) Circuit; space; enclosure.
Circus
To take part in a circus; or to be displayed as if in a circus
Circus
A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows.
Circus
A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.
Circus
Circuit; space; inclosure.
The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.
Circus
A travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals;
He ran away from home to join the circus
Circus
Performance given by a traveling company of acrobats clowns and trained animals;
The children always love to go to the circus
Circus
A frenetic disorganized (and often comic) disturbance suggestive of a circus or carnival;
It was so funny it was a circus
The whole occasion had a carnival atmosphere
Circus
(antiquity) an open-air stadium for chariot races and gladiatorial games
Circus
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
A genus of haws comprising the harriers
FAQs
What kind of acts are performed in a circus?
Circus acts include acrobatics, clown performances, animal shows, trapeze acts, and more.
Where are cirques commonly found?
Cirques are commonly found in high-altitude mountainous regions, such as the Alps or the Rocky Mountains.
How is a cirque formed?
A cirque is formed through glacial erosion, where glaciers carve out a bowl-shaped depression in the mountains.
What is a cirque?
A cirque is a bowl-shaped, steep-walled valley formed by glacial erosion, typically found in mountainous regions.
What is the history of circuses?
Circuses have a long history, dating back to ancient Rome and evolving into modern traveling shows in the 18th century.
What is a circus?
A circus is a traveling entertainment show featuring acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and various performances.
What is the purpose of a circus?
The purpose of a circus is to entertain audiences with a variety of skilled performances and acts.
Can cirques contain lakes?
Yes, cirques can contain lakes, often referred to as tarns, formed from glacial meltwater.
Are cirques important for scientific study?
Yes, cirques are important for studying glacial movements, past climates, and geological processes.
What is an example of a famous cirque?
The Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees is a famous cirque known for its stunning scenery.
Do modern circuses still use animals?
Some modern circuses still use animals, but there is a growing trend toward animal-free circuses focusing on human performances.
What are the key features of a circus performance?
Key features of a circus performance include acts of skill, daring, humor, and spectacle, often performed in a big top tent.
How do performers train for circus acts?
Circus performers undergo extensive training and practice to perfect their skills and routines.
Are there famous circuses in the world?
Yes, famous circuses include Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and The Moscow Circus.
Do cirques play a role in glacial studies?
Yes, cirques are crucial for understanding glacial history and the impact of glaciers on landscapes.
How do circuses travel?
Circuses travel by transporting their equipment, animals, and performers from one location to another, often setting up temporary tents.
What kind of terrain surrounds a cirque?
Cirques are typically surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged mountainous terrain.
What natural processes contribute to the formation of a cirque?
Glacial erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and plucking are natural processes that contribute to cirque formation.
Can cirques be visited by tourists?
Yes, many cirques are popular tourist destinations for hiking, sightseeing, and photography.
What materials are typically used for circus tents?
Circus tents, also known as big tops, are typically made from durable, waterproof fabrics like canvas or PVC.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
