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 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 problem in cold temperatures is the battery’s liquid electrolyte, which becomes more viscous, slowing circulation and reducing the system’s capacity. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 For now, much depends on how the first batch of licenses is rolled out and the stablecoins are brought into circulation. John Liu, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 Trump has recently been seen wearing concealer on his hands, adding to the concern generated by his swollen ankles—which are possibly caused by a circulation disorder he was diagnosed with that the White House announced in July. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 Perhaps $30,000 or $50,000 or even $100,000 would be added to circulation. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!