circumnavigate

[ sur-kuhm-nav-i-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, cir·cum·nav·i·gat·ed, cir·cum·nav·i·gat·ing.

1. to sail or fly around; make the circuit of by navigation:

   to circumnavigate the earth.

2. to go or maneuver around:

   to circumnavigate the heavy downtown traffic.

circumnavigate

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈnævɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. tr to sail or fly completely around

Derived Forms

• ˌcircumˌnaviˈgation, noun
• ˌcircumˈnavigable, adjective
• ˌcircumˈnaviˌgator, noun

Other Words From

• cir·cum·nav·i·ga·ble [sur-k, uh, m-, nav, -i-g, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• circum·navi·gation noun
• circum·navi·gator noun
• cir·cum·nav·i·ga·to·ry [sur-k, uh, m-, nav, -i-g, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumnavigate¹

1625–35; < Latin circumnāvigātus (past participle of circumnāvigāre ), equivalent to circum- circum- + nāvigātus; navigate

Example Sentences

A talented aviator, daredevil and dashing superstar, she was attempting to circumnavigate the globe and encourage “other women toward greater independence of thought and action.”

From Los Angeles Times

The businessman had long been passionate about flying, first taking pilot lessons in 2004 and later setting a world record for circumnavigating the world in a light jet.

From BBC

This year’s event will have tweaks beyond the new date: Participants will cycle clockwise for the first time, starting and ending in Enumclaw as they circumnavigate Mount Rainier.

From Seattle Times

Similar to the race to the moon, this mission to aerially circumnavigate the world required “uniquely American” coordination and teamwork across military, industry, political and diplomatic figures, said Boeing’s senior corporate historian, Michael Lombardi.

From Seattle Times

But take this pro tip from a lifelong Washingtonian: “If you circumnavigate Naches Peak Loop trail clockwise, you get this gorgeous surprise view of Mount Rainier up close and personal,” Grace Hensley advised.

From Seattle Times