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.
Massaging is also a good way to boost circulation, which will help encourage hair growth. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 28 May 2025 President Donald Trump has pushed to end the circulation of pennies since the start of his second term, citing the cost to produce them. Melina Khan, USA Today, 23 May 2025 That means the last batch of new pennies will enter circulation next year and that the coin will eventually be phased out. Michele Luhn, CNBC, 23 May 2025 City officials said piers can pose a unique water quality challenge due to poorer circulation of ocean water. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 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 1 Jun. 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
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