circumambulate
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
-
to walk around (something)
-
(intr) to avoid the point
Other Word Forms
- circumambulation noun
- circumambulator noun
- circumambulatory adjective
Etymology
Origin of circumambulate
First recorded in 1650–60, circumambulate is from the Late Latin word circumambulātus (past participle of circumambulāre ). See circum-, ambulate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They pack into the Grand Mosque in Mecca to circumambulate the Kaaba.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2023
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 • Oct. 23, 2021
Rangarajan is addressing the morning’s temple goers who, like a school of fish, circumambulate the temple’s inner sanctum chanting the Hindu deity Balaji’s name in vague unison.
From Slate • Apr. 3, 2017
At any time of the day, hundreds of people circumambulate the stupa, chanting mantras, kneading their mala beads and twirling prayer wheels.
From New York Times • Mar. 9, 2012
He could walk about the city at his pleasure, or be escorted in the sumptuous carriage, while I could only circumambulate the Asylum yard, under the vigilant eye of my keeper.
From Marital Power Exemplified in Mrs. Packard's Trial, and Self-Defence from the Charge of Insanity by Packard, Elizabeth Parsons Ware
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
