WordGarden.iocirculation
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˌɜːkjʊlˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˈsɜrkjəˌleɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the movement of blood around the body
the continuous flow of air, water, or another substance through a system
the passing or spreading of information, documents, or ideas among people
More meaningsFewer meanings
the number of copies of a newspaper or magazine distributed or sold
the availability and use of money among the public
Beyond the definition
Think of blood flowing through your veins—that's circulation! But it's more than just biology. Circulation refers to the movement of anything from one place to another, whether it's news, money, or even people at a busy event. A newspaper has a "circulation" because copies are distributed widely to readers. While good circulation is vital for physical health, it is equally important for keeping information and resources flowing smoothly through any system.
If something has "good circulation," it means it's getting around easily. For example, a rumor might have wide circulation if everyone is talking about it. A library book with high circulation is one that is frequently checked out and read. You can even talk about the circulation of air in a room—describing how well it moves to keep the space feeling fresh.
Circulation most commonly refers to the movement of fluids, especially blood, through the vessels and organs of a living body. This process is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing waste products. Phrases like "poor circulation" describe a medical condition where blood flow to the extremities is restricted or suboptimal.
However, the term extends far beyond biology. It broadly signifies the movement of ideas, goods, information, or people within a defined system. In the publishing world, a newspaper's circulation refers to the total number of copies distributed; a high circulation indicates a wide and influential readership.
In economics, you might discuss the circulation of money, referring to how quickly currency is being spent and reinvested within a market. Similarly, the circulation of goods describes their journey through a supply chain—from manufacturer to distributor to consumer. Even social settings can involve this idea: "There was lively circulation at the party," suggests people were moving and mingling freely.
Historically, "circulation" also referred to the act of making something public or distributing it widely, like pamphlets or books. This sense lingers today in the phrase "putting something into circulation." Ultimately, whether it's the life-giving flow within your body or the spread of a viral story online, circulation is about movement that keeps a system active and functioning.
Examples
- 1
Blood flow
Regular exercise can improve circulation in your legs.
- 2
Air movement
Good air circulation helps keep the room from getting too hot.
- 3
Poor circulation
My fingers go numb when my circulation is poor.
- 4
New money
The new banknotes will go into circulation next month.
- Phrasego into circulation
start being used by the public
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Cash supply
There is still a lot of cash in circulation.
- 6
Newspaper sales
The local newspaper's circulation has dropped sharply this year.
- Domaincirculation
the number of copies a newspaper or magazine regularly sells or gives out
- 7
Rumors spreading
Rumors about the deal were already in circulation before the meeting.
- Phrasein circulation
already being passed around or widely known
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- blood flow
- perfusion
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- blood circulation
- poor circulation
- air circulation
- improve circulation
Word family
Explore
- circulatory system
- fluid dynamics
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- circulationnoun
Forms
- circulationspluralnoun