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

Sealing the lid can interfere with proper heat circulation and place unnecessary strain on the appliance. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026

The MsNB is designed as a compact molten salt microreactor using natural circulation instead of relying on pumps to move its coolant. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Cuticle oil hydrates this thin, sensitive skin and promotes growth by increasing circulation, and can be applied over polish. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026

The lymphatic system runs alongside blood circulation and picks up fluid and larger particles that veins cannot absorb, moving that waste back toward the bloodstream so the kidneys can filter it or the body can reuse it. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 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