circuit
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for circuit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A closed path that electric current can flow around, usually containing components like wires, switches, and resistors.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use circuit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French circuit, from Latin circuitus, "a going around" — from circum ("around") plus ire ("to go").
Full origin of circuit →Frequently asked questions
What does “circuit” mean?
The word “circuit” means a closed path that electric current can flow around, usually containing components like wires, switches, and resistors. In plain terms, a closed loop, whether it's wires carrying electricity or a set route someone repeatedly travels.
How do you pronounce “circuit”?
“Circuit” is pronounced SUR-kiht (/ˈsɝ.kɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “circuit” in a sentence?
Here is “circuit” used in a sentence: “A short circuit tripped the breaker.”
What is another word for “circuit”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circuit” include dao, lu, route and tao.
What part of speech is “circuit”?
Depending on how it is used, “circuit” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “circuit” come from?
The word “circuit” comes from Latin. From Old French circuit, from Latin circuitus, "a going around" — from circum ("around") plus ire ("to go").
Is “circuit” a common word?
“Circuit” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “circuit” have?
“Circuit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a closed path that electric current can flow around, usually containing components like wires, switches, and resistors.
What is the difference between a series and a parallel circuit?
In a series circuit the components sit one after another on a single path, so the same current flows through each and a break anywhere stops everything. In a parallel circuit the current splits across several branches, so each component gets its own path and one can fail while the others keep working.
What is the difference between an open and a closed circuit?
A closed circuit is a complete, unbroken loop, so current can flow and devices switch on. An open circuit has a gap or break — an open switch, a cut wire — so no current flows and nothing works. Flicking a light switch simply opens or closes the circuit that feeds the bulb.
What are the main parts of a circuit?
A basic circuit needs a power source, such as a battery, to push the current; conductors, usually wires, to carry it; and a load, like a bulb or motor, that uses the energy. A switch lets you open or close the loop, and resistors control how much current flows.
What is a short circuit?
A short circuit happens when current finds an unintended low-resistance path that bypasses the normal load, often because bare wires touch directly. With little resistance to limit it, the current surges and generates heat that can blow a fuse, damage components, or start a fire. Fuses and circuit breakers exist to cut the power when this occurs.