# circulating

/ˈsɝkjəˌɫeɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈɜːkjʊlˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/circulating
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. moving in a system

verb · CEFR B2

moving continuously through a closed system, like air in a room or blood in your body.

For teachers: moving in a continuous circuit through a closed system or vessel.

- The fan helps keep the cool air circulating throughout the office.
- The pump ensures that the coolant is constantly circulating through the engine block to prevent overheating during long journeys.

Usage: Often used with prepositions like 'through' or 'around'.

### 2. spreading information

verb · CEFR B2

passing from one person to another, like news, stories, or documents.

For teachers: passing from person to person or place to place; the dissemination of information or physical currency.

- Rumours about the company closing were circulating among the staff.
- The committee is currently circulating a draft of the new policy to gather feedback from all department heads.

Usage: Can be used intransitively (rumours are circulating) or transitively (circulating a memo).

### 3. socialising

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

moving around a room at a party to talk to many different people.

For teachers: moving among a group of people in a social setting to engage in conversation.

- The host spent the evening circulating and making sure everyone had a drink.
- As a diplomat, she was adept at circulating through the crowded ballroom, subtly gathering information from various attaches.

### 4. available to borrow

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describing a library or collection where you can take items home rather than just looking at them there.

For teachers: relating to a library or collection that allows items to be borrowed by members.

- Most of the books in the university library are part of the circulating collection.
- The archive distinguishes between its rare manuscripts and its circulating library, the latter of which is accessible to all registered students.

## Examples

- The news is circulating fast.
- Fresh air is circulating through the vents.
- Rumours were circulating that the company would close.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.