What does circularize mean?
Circularize is a formal verb meaning to send the same letter, notice, or printed communication to a large number of people at once — typically members of an organization, shareholders, voters, or other defined groups. A committee might circularize its membership before an important vote, or a company might circularize investors with details of a new offer. The word carries an administrative, slightly bureaucratic flavour: it belongs to the world of minutes, mailings, and formal correspondence rather than casual conversation. It derives from 'circular', which in this context means not round but 'a letter sent to many addresses', tracing back through Latin circulus, 'a small ring'. Closely related is the practice of canvassing, since circularize can also mean soliciting support by mass mailing. Though less common in everyday speech than circulate, it remains useful precisely because it captures that specific act of one-to-many written communication.
To distribute a letter, notice, or printed communication to a large number of people.
"The board voted to circularize all shareholders before the annual meeting."
Often used with the recipients as the object: 'circularize the membership'.
To canvass or solicit (people, especially voters) by distributing such material.
"Volunteers spent the weekend circularizing households in the marginal seat."
Before email, an entire campaign could hinge on one verb: to 'circularize' was literally to put your message into hundreds of envelopes at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of circularize
Circularize was formed from 'circular', in the postal sense of a letter or advertisement distributed to many recipients. That sense of 'circular' arose in the 17th–18th century from Latin circulus, meaning 'small ring', via the idea of a document that goes around to everyone. The verb circularize developed in the 19th century as mass mailings became a routine tool of business and political organizations. Its cognates include circle, circuit, and circulation, all descending from the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How circularize is actually used
Somewhat formal and administrative in register, common in business, political, and organizational contexts. The noun form 'circular' for the distributed item is closely associated with it. More typical of British administrative English, though well understood elsewhere.
Easily confused with circularize
Circulate means to move around or spread generally, while circularize specifically means to send printed material or notices to a list of recipients.