circumambulate

[ sur-kuhm-am-byuh-leyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, cir·cum·am·bu·lat·ed, cir·cum·am·bu·lat·ing.

1. to walk or go about or around, especially ceremoniously.

circumambulate

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈæmbjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to walk around (something)
2. intr to avoid the point

Derived Forms

• ˌcircumˈambuˌlator, noun
• ˌcircumˌambuˈlation, noun
• ˌcircumˈambulatory, adjective

Other Words From

• circum·ambu·lation noun
• circum·ambu·lator noun
• circum·ambu·la·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumambulate¹

First recorded in 1650–60, circumambulate is from the Late Latin word circumambulātus (past participle of circumambulāre ). See circum-, ambulate

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumambulate¹

C17: from Late Latin circum- + ambulāre to walk

Example Sentences

They pack into the Grand Mosque in Mecca to circumambulate the Kaaba.

From Seattle Times

And Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, without social distancing for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

From Seattle Times

Now visitors are required to wear masks and will undergo temperature checks as they circumambulate the shrine.

From Washington Post

“As he restlessly circumambulates, verbally and physically, he’s always reaching for explanations that seem to explode on him,” Brantley wrote in his New York Times review.

From New York Times

At Seattle Art Fair, a glistening, golden object propped upon a wooden platform blabbers on as visitors circumambulate the display.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• amble
• cruise
• drift
• float
• hike
• meander
• ramble
• roam
• saunter
• straggle
• stray
• stroll
• traipse
• trek