First Known Use: 1603
Dictionary
circulate
verb cir·cu·late \ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt\
: to move without stopping though a system, place, etc.
: to go or spread from one person or place to another
: to cause (something) to go or spread from one person or place to another
cir·cu·lat·edcir·cu·lat·ing
Full Definition of CIRCULATE
intransitive verb
1
2
: to pass from person to person or place to place: as a : to flow without obstruction b : to become well-known or widespread <rumors circulated through the town> c : to go from group to group at a social gathering d : to come into the hands of readers; specifically : to become sold or distributed
transitive verb
: to cause to circulate
— cir·cu·lat·able \-ˌlā-tə-bəl\ adjective
— cir·cu·la·tive \-ˌlā-tiv\ adjective
— cir·cu·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun
See circulate defined for English-language learners
See circulate defined for kids
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Origin of CIRCULATE
Latin circulatus, past participle of circulare, from circulus
Related to CIRCULATE
- Synonyms
- broadcast, spread, disseminate, propagate
Rhymes with CIRCULATE
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CIRCULATING Defined for Kids
circulate
verb cir·cu·late \ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt\
cir·cu·lat·edcir·cu·lat·ing
Definition of CIRCULATE for Kids
1
: to move around in a course <Blood circulates in the body.>
2
: to pass or be passed from place to place or from person to person <The rumor circulated around the school.>
Medical Dictionary
circulate
intransitive verb cir·cu·late \ˈsər-kyə-ˌlāt\
cir·cu·lat·edcir·cu·lat·ing
Medical Definition of CIRCULATE
: to flow or be propelled naturally through a closed system of channels (as blood vessels) <blood circulates through the body>
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