ENGLISH
REFERENCE

circulated

v. · adj.
US //ˈsɝkjəˌɫeɪtɪd// UK //sˈɜːkjʊlˌeɪtɪd// cir·cu·lat·ed
  1. 1 to spread information (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to pass a message, document, or story from one person to another.

    to disseminate information, rumours, or documents within a group or to the public.

    Example

    The office manager circulated a memo about the new holiday policy.

    Example

    The committee circulated the draft proposal among the stakeholders to ensure all parties had an opportunity to provide feedback before the final vote.

    Usage

    Often used with a direct object like 'memo', 'email', or 'rumour'.
  2. 2 to move in a loop (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    to move continuously through a closed system, like blood in the body or air in a room.

    to move through a circuit or a closed system and return to the starting point.

    Example

    Cool air circulated through the building thanks to the new fans.

    Example

    In a healthy cardiovascular system, blood is circulated efficiently to deliver oxygen to every major organ.

    Usage

    Can be used as a transitive verb or an intransitive verb.
    • stagnate
  3. 3 to move around at a party (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to move from person to person in a social group to talk to everyone.

    to move among a crowd or social gathering, engaging in brief conversations with various individuals.

    Example

    The host circulated among the guests to make sure everyone had a drink.

    Example

    The candidate spent the evening circulating through the ballroom, shaking hands and listening to the concerns of potential donors.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is often used in formal social contexts like galas or business networking events.
  4. 4 distributed or spread (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    describes something that has been sent out or spread around.

    distributed throughout a system or population; often used in technical contexts regarding currency or documents.

    Example

    The circulated reports contained several errors that needed to be fixed.

    Example

    The central bank monitored the volume of circulated currency to assess the overall health of the national economy.

Last updated June 20, 2026