THE FIRST WORD

winner's circle

PRONUNCIATION:

(WIN-uhrz SUHR-kuhl) 

MEANING:

noun: A select group of winners or those considered worthy.

ETYMOLOGY:

After the enclosure at a racetrack where the winning horse, jockey, and horse-owner receive awards. Earliest documented use: 1951.

USAGE:

"I'm not sure being Peter's fifth fiancée will put you in the winner's circle."
Jennifer Drew; The Bad Girl Bride; Mills and Boon; 1999.