circulation

noun

cir·​cu·​la·​tion ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce circulation (audio)
1
: orderly movement through a circuit
especially : the movement of blood through the vessels of the body induced by the pumping action of the heart
2
: flow
3
a
: passage or transmission from person to person or place to place
especially : the interchange of currency
coins in circulation
b
: the extent of dissemination: such as
(1)
: the average number of copies of a publication sold over a given period
(2)
: the total number of items borrowed from a library

Examples of circulation in a Sentence

He has bad circulation in his legs. The drug improves blood circulation. The attic has poor air circulation. the circulation of ocean waters Let's open the windows to get some circulation in here. This memo is not meant for circulation. The coins have recently entered circulation.
Recent Examples on the Web Aside from relieving pressure on your lower back, footrests can also increase blood circulation throughout your body, easing leg, knee, and general joint discomfort. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Its circulation has more than doubled between 2012 and 2022. Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 The circulation of the environmental impact report is a key milestone of an intricate city review process for this major San Jose project. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 Iron needs increase during pregnancy because a pregnant person’s blood volume expands significantly in order to maintain proper circulation and to deliver sufficient oxygen to their own tissues, as well as to the placenta and baby. Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 The ice stimulates blood circulation and speeds up skin cell turnover, leading to softer, smoother skin. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 Zooming in on the topic of circulation, the ANICA-APA report reveals that 183-203 Italian movies and series benefited from some kind of foreign distribution in 2022. Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Feb. 2024 For decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm on the circulation’s stability as climate change warms the ocean and melts ice, disrupting the balance of heat and salt that determines the currents’ strength. Laura Paddison, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024 The new medication works by binding to the antibodies, taking them out of circulation, said Chinthrajah. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circulation was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near circulation

Cite this Entry

“Circulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circulation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

circulation

noun
cir·​cu·​la·​tion ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce circulation (audio)
1
: orderly movement through a circuit
especially : the movement of blood through the vessels of the body caused by the pumping action of the heart
2
a
: passage from person to person or place to place
coins in circulation
b
: the average number of copies (as of a newspaper) sold over a given period

Medical Definition

circulation

noun
cir·​cu·​la·​tion ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce circulation (audio)
: the movement of blood through the vessels of the body that is induced by the pumping action of the heart and serves to distribute nutrients and oxygen to and remove waste products from all parts of the body see pulmonary circulation, systemic circulation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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