circulate
SUR-kyuu-layt
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.”
verb
1
To move continuously through a system, or to travel around and mix with a group of people.
"Blood circulates through the body via the heart and vessels."
"The host circulated among the guests, making small talk."
2
To spread information, rumours, or documents so they reach many people.
"Rumours of layoffs began to circulate around the office."
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).
Common pairings
circulate a memo
blood circulates
rumours circulate
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- circulates
- Past tense
- circulated
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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
