Definition

To travel all the way around something, especially the Earth or an island.

Example

Ferdinand Magellan was the first person to circumnavigate the globe.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how people circumnavigate the globe?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how they can travel all around the world.

I would love to circumnavigate by boat one day.

That sounds like an amazing adventure!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Circumnavigate → It is formed from "circum-" (meaning around) and "navigare" (meaning to sail). The word describes the act of sailing around something, typically used in the context of traveling around the globe.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sailing around' ('circum-') something — that's what circumnavigate means.

Visually Confused Words