circulation
noun
cir·cu·la·tion
ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən 
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
Good plant spacing to encourage air circulation among the foliage can further reduce the incidence of foliar diseases.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 July 2025
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2025
Researchers blamed stormwater runoff, droppings from waterfowl like gulls and geese, and poor water circulation to move contaminants out.
—Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 27 July 2025
Instead, both Karen and Crista recommend wearing compression socks, not only for hygiene but also for circulation.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for circulation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 July 2025
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2025
Researchers blamed stormwater runoff, droppings from waterfowl like gulls and geese, and poor water circulation to move contaminants out.
—Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 27 July 2025
Instead, both Karen and Crista recommend wearing compression socks, not only for hygiene but also for circulation.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for circulation
Cite this Entry
“Circulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circulation. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
circulation
noun
cir·cu·la·tion
ˌsər-kyə-ˈlā-shən
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
: 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
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