circumambulate

verb

circumambulated; circumambulating

transitive verb

: to circle on foot especially ritualistically

Examples of circumambulate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Visitors circumambulate the gallery, opening gray stall doors and finding sculptures inside. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 12 July 2024 Trying to stay upright while circumambulating these tilted, towering forms induced vertigo. Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin circumambulatus, past participle of circumambulare, from Latin circum- + ambulare to walk

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumambulate was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near circumambulate

Cite this Entry

“Circumambulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumambulate. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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