Purpose: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are identified as vital regulators in a variety of cancers. However, the involvement of circ_0000231 in paclitaxel (PTX) resistant ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear.Methods: The levels of circ_0000231, microRNA-140 (miR-140) and RAP1B were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) or Western blot assay. Cell proliferation, PTX- resistance, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry and transwell assay. The levels of resistant-related and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were measured by Western blot assay. Target association between miR-140 and circ_0000231 or RAP1B was demonstrated by dual[1]luciferase reporter assay or RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP). Biological implications of circ_0000231 in ovarian cancer were implemented in tumor xenograft models.Results: Circ_0000231 and RAP1B levels were increased, while miR-140 level was decreased in PTX-resistant OC tissues and cells. Depletion of circ_0000231 could inhibit resistance, proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT and promoted apoptosis in PTX-resistant OC cells, which was opposited by overexpression of circ_0000231. Circ_0000231 acted as a sponge for miR- 140, and RAP1B was revealed to be target gene of miR-140. Circ_0000231 was a key molecule required for growth, migration, and PTX-resistance and was involved in EMT. Circ_0000231 knockdown increased PTX sensitivity of OC in vivo.Conclusion: Knockdown of circ_000231 suppressed PTX-resistant OC progression via regulating miR-140/RAP1B signaling pathway. Circ_0000231 might play vital roles in the tumorigenesis and chemoresistance of OC.