circled

Circled is an adjective and past participle of the verb circle, describing something that is enclosed by or marked with a circle. It is used across writing, design, and technical contexts to indicate emphasis, grouping, or distinction.

In typography and digital text, circled characters appear as dedicated symbols within certain fonts and character sets. The Unicode standard includes blocks for enclosed or circled alphanumerics, which provide circled digits and letters for use in lists, labels, diagrams, and user interfaces. These symbols are common in educational materials, reference works, and design layouts where compact labeling is advantageous.

Circled marks are widely used in graphics, maps, diagrams, and schematics to denote points of interest, categories, or steps in a sequence. They help visually separate items or highlight specific elements without altering accompanying text. In signage and branding, circled icons can convey a quick, recognizable cue.

In editing, proofreading, and note-taking, circled text or items often indicate items that require attention, review, or action. The practice relies on a simple geometric cue rather than a formal linguistic term, making circled marks a versatile tool for visual communication.

Etymology derives from the Latin circulus or circle, with the suffix -ed indicating a state or condition resulting from circling. The concept remains primarily visual, applying to any object that is drawn or placed inside a circular boundary.

See also: circle, enclosed characters, circled numbers, circled letters.