Circulate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the movement of something, especially documents or information, within a closed group or system.

• The memo was circulated among the staff
• Rumors quickly circulated through the office

A general term used broadly to describe the expansion or dispersal of something over a wider area or among more people.

• The virus began to spread throughout the community
• They spread the word about the upcoming concert

Often employed in professional or academic contexts to describe the distribution of information, knowledge, or ideas to a large number of people.

• The university will disseminate the research findings to the scientific community
• Public health officials are tasked with disseminating information about vaccines

Commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, especially in biology or technology, to describe the spread of something, such as plants, waves, or ideas.

• Certain plants propagate quickly in tropical climates
• Misinformation can propagate rapidly on social media

Used when sharing or delivering items or information to multiple recipients, often in a more physical sense.

• The company will distribute free samples to promote the new product
• Volunteers distributed food and water to the affected families

Commonly used when referring to the transmission of information, especially via radio, television, or digital platforms, often to a wide audience.

• The news was broadcast on the evening bulletin
• They plan to broadcast the event live on social media

Useful when referring to the movement of something among a group of people or places without specifying the means. Often used with information, documents, or air.

• The memo was circulated among the employees
• Fresh air needs to circulate in this room

Refers to the allocation or handout of items, often physical goods, to a number of recipients or locations.

• Food was distributed to the homeless
• They distribute flyers on the street

Formal term used especially in academic or professional settings, meaning to spread information or ideas widely.

• The research findings were disseminated through several journals
• The organization works to disseminate knowledge about climate change

Often used in scientific settings, especially about plants or ideas, to mean spreading or promoting growth or development.

• Scientists can propagate plants from cuttings
• The theory was propagated through several academic publications

A general term that can be used in many contexts including the distribution of tangible items, information, or abstract concepts like emotions.

• They spread the blanket on the grass
• The virus can spread through close contact
• Rumors spread quickly in a small town

Primarily used when referring to transmitting information or content through television, radio, or the internet to a wide audience.

• The news will be broadcast at 6 PM
• They broadcast the soccer match live

Used when something like information, documents, or blood moves from one place to another within a system.

• Rumors began to circulate about the new policy.
• She circulated the memo to the entire team.

Used when referring to the delivery or allocation of items, resources, or information to various points or people.

• The distribution of supplies to the flood victims was well-coordinated.
• Software distribution has become easier with cloud technology.

Commonly used for the distribution of information, ideas, or materials to a wide audience, particularly in an academic or formal context.

• The dissemination of research findings is crucial to scientific progress.
• The agency is responsible for the dissemination of public health information.

Used in a broad sense to describe something that extends or moves across a large area or among many people.

• The spread of the virus was rapid.
• She spread butter on her toast.

Often used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly referring to the spreading of waves, species, or something intangible.

• The propagation of sound waves requires a medium.
• The propagation of certain plants is done through cuttings.

Refers to transmitting information, particularly through radio, television, or the internet. Often used in the media industry.

• The event is being broadcast live on television.
• They are broadcasting the match on the radio.