circulation

noun

cir·​cu·​la·​tion ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce circulation (audio)
Synonyms of circulationnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Normatec 3 Legs compression boots ($899) are used by professional athletes between games to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026 The pool, which was first installed in 1923, was previously renovated in 2012 to reengineer its circulation and filtration system, though the shallow water feature has been notoriously difficult to keep clean. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 For deeper recovery, the $899 Normatec 3 Legs Compression Boots used by professional athletes between games fill with air and deflate in sequence to mimic muscle contractions, boost circulation and reduce swelling. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026 This cooling shifts atmospheric circulation, influencing weather around the globe. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for circulation

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circulation was in 1535

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circulation. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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
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