circulation

noun

cir·​cu·​la·​tion ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

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

El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than average, influencing atmospheric circulation and weather patterns worldwide. — Gregory Padgett, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

But bringing such films back into circulation can be a lengthy and complicated process. — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

This can then affect atmospheric circulation patterns, which affect climate across the world. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026

In the 60 days since de la Espriella became president, Bula said, security forces reported 32,029 arrests, the seizure of over 135 tons of narcotic drugs and the removal of 3,414 firearms from circulation. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing circulation

• back in/into circulation
• in circulation
• out of circulation
• pulmonary circulation

Rhymes for circulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

circulation

noun

cir·​cu·​la·​tion ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

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 

: 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