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 Diabetes and advanced age are two risk factors for retinal disease, but poor circulation due to high blood pressure or high cholesterol can also put you at risk. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 Poor circulation can be the result of vasoconstriction or vaso-occlusion. Dr. Roshini Raj, Health, 19 Mar. 2024 Compression socks support circulation in your feet to relieve swelling and prevent pain. Nsisong Bassey, Verywell Health, 15 Mar. 2024 The Times’ weekday circulation — spread among the Olympic plant, as well as Orange County and the San Fernando Valley printing facilities — was 1.2 million; 1.5 million on Sundays. Thomas Curwen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2024 And the threat of AI manipulating U.S. election information is growing, following the circulation of fake images depicting Donald Trump with Black supporters. Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 This was done to slow down the pace at which supply of bitcoin can be added to circulation, with the number of bitcoins that will ever be created being capped at 21 million as a way to mimic finite resources like gold. Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 Aside from relieving pressure on your lower back, footrests can also increase blood circulation throughout your body, easing leg, knee, and general joint discomfort. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Its circulation has more than doubled between 2012 and 2022. Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'circulation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of circulation was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near circulation

Cite this Entry

“Circulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circulation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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!