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

The work will include the excavation of the creek channel and the removal of invasive plants to improve water circulation and quality. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2024

Prince William and Princess Kate have historically released their children’s birthday photos on the day before their birthday, so the April 23 circulation came as a change. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024

The case South Africa brought to the International Court of Justice, alleging an Israeli genocide in Gaza, introduced many of those arguments into circulation across the global South and within international organizations. —Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2024

Wearing a pair of compression socks will not only wade off any temptation to clip or file your nails mid-flight, but the socks will also relieve tension by stimulating circulation in your legs and feet to reduce swelling in the air. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024

The underwhelming numbers were partly due to the album’s pre-Internet bootleg leak, which led to the album’s premature circulation. —Earl Hopkins, SPIN, 19 Apr. 2024

The rind contains citrulline, an amino acid that may help improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure.11 It’s also packed with fiber, which promotes a functioning digestive system. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 19 Apr. 2024

Regularly massaging the scalp may stimulate blood circulation to the scalp skin and hair follicles. —Alyssa Hui, Health, 16 Apr. 2024

Bian, a traditional Chinese stone, is known for its ability to improve circulation and detoxify the skin. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024

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

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