circulate
verb
cir·cu·late
ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt 
circulated; circulating
1
2
: to pass from person to person or place to place: such as
a
: to flow without obstruction
b
: to become well-known or widespread
rumors circulated through the town
c
: to go from group to group at a social gathering
d
: to come into the hands of readers
specifically
: to become sold or distributed
: to cause to circulate
Examples of circulate in a Sentence
Blood circulates through the body.
Steam circulates in the pipes.
A pump circulates the water through the filter.
Rumors are circulating around town.
The report circulated among the students.
Stories were circulated about mismanagement.
He is circulating a petition asking for a new election.
She circulated among her guests.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Mendoza ad will circulate on ESPN and on social media, the executive says – but not for very long.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
The video circulated rapidly on social media, sparking fury as at least two White victims were pummeled into the ground by a group of Black suspects.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
The three-stage filtration system captures common airborne particles, while its 360-degree air intake efficiently pulls in and circulates air in rooms of up to 2,400 square feet.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Last month, Batula and Wilson made headlines after photos circulated of the pair out together in New York.
—Francie Ebert, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circulate
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
The video circulated rapidly on social media, sparking fury as at least two White victims were pummeled into the ground by a group of Black suspects.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
The three-stage filtration system captures common airborne particles, while its 360-degree air intake efficiently pulls in and circulates air in rooms of up to 2,400 square feet.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Last month, Batula and Wilson made headlines after photos circulated of the pair out together in New York.
—Francie Ebert, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circulate
Cite this Entry
“Circulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circulate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
circulate
verb
cir·cu·late
ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt
circulated; circulating
1
: to move or cause to move in a circle or course
especially
: to follow a course that returns to the starting point
blood circulates through the body
2
: to pass or be passed from person to person or place to place
circulate a rumor
Medical Definition
circulate
intransitive verb
cir·cu·late
ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt
circulated; circulating
: to flow or be propelled naturally through a closed system of channels (as blood vessels)
blood circulates through the body
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