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

Do thou, therefore, circumambulate that great hero cheerfully.

From Project Gutenberg

Is this me, around whom children ran, as they would about a pillar or a monument, and thought it exercise to circumambulate?

From Project Gutenberg

They kneel, clasp their hands, circumambulate the Buddha and file out.

From Project Gutenberg

Round this there is a dark and narrow passage which pilgrims circumambulate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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