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.
But lower-body movements may increase circulation even more, added Andrew Carbone, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Orlando Health. Allison Forsyth, Health, 17 Feb. 2026 However, removing dead foliage beneath living stems can aid air circulation and improve the health of the plant. Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026 Allicin and sulfides Sulfides are not as strong as allicin, but are far more stable and can help regulate the body’s circulation and cholesterol levels. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026 The film went out of circulation after a single television screening and has been largely inaccessible for nearly four decades. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 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 22 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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