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

People with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy or circulation problems need to be especially cautious about anything that constricts the feet or creates friction. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Extend the session only after the body signals improvement in mood, stress, circulation and recovery. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

First announced during last year’s Rio Film Festival, Screen Brasil aims to strengthen the global circulation of Brazilian cinema while showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and creative industries to international audiences. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Other changes reflected in the final plan include the removal of 15 traffic signal posts that were initially proposed, and changes to the traffic circulation routes. — ABC News, 20 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