circulate
Circulate (verb) means to move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people. Example: “Blood circulates through the body via the heart and vessels.”
How to use circulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo move around continuously (like blood or air) or to spread from person to person (like news or a rumour).
Word forms
circulated past tense, circulates singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Blood _____ through the body via the heart and vessels.
Etymology
From Late Latin circulatus, past participle of circulare ("to make circular, encircle"), from circulus ("a circle").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for circulate
See all rhymes for circulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “circulate” mean?
The word “circulate” means to move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people. In plain terms, to move around continuously (like blood or air) or to spread from person to person (like news or a rumour).
How do you pronounce “circulate”?
“Circulate” is pronounced SUR-kyuu-layt (/ˈsɝ.kjʊˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “circulate” in a sentence?
Here is “circulate” used in a sentence: “Blood circulates through the body via the heart and vessels.”
What is another word for “circulate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “circulate” include put about, spread and disseminate.
What part of speech is “circulate”?
“Circulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “circulate” come from?
The word “circulate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin circulatus, past participle of circulare ("to make circular, encircle"), from circulus ("a circle").
Is “circulate” a common word?
“Circulate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “circulate” have?
“Circulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people.