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 hashtag #HangInTherePunch also circulated on social media to show support for the baby monkey.
—
Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
The images of Al-Mousawi’s body spread despite the restrictions, circulating on social media and in private chats, underscoring the power of digital evidence.
—Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
Local police too, have stated that false posts circulating in WhatsApp groups, including claims of worker deaths and exaggerated reports of violence and arrests, have contributed to the escalation of unrest.
—Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
Plus, too much mulch piled high around the trunk means there's less air flow circulating in the soil.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for circulate
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Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
The images of Al-Mousawi’s body spread despite the restrictions, circulating on social media and in private chats, underscoring the power of digital evidence.
—Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 17 Apr. 2026
Local police too, have stated that false posts circulating in WhatsApp groups, including claims of worker deaths and exaggerated reports of violence and arrests, have contributed to the escalation of unrest.
—Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026
Plus, too much mulch piled high around the trunk means there's less air flow circulating in the soil.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 17 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 19 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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