circulaire

Circulaire is a term used in Dutch, French, and English contexts that has two broad senses. As an adjective, it denotes something circular or ring-shaped. As a noun, it refers to official communications issued to inform a group about policy, procedures, or announcements.

In government and administration, a circulaire (or circulaire ministérielle) is a policy memorandum or guideline distributed by a ministry to clarify how laws or regulations should be applied. Circulaires provide interpretation, criteria, or instructions for public officials and agencies. They are typically not legally binding on individuals, but they guide administrative practice and decision-making, and may be cited in enforcement or advisory contexts. In the Netherlands and Belgium, circulaires are common tools for disseminating policy details; in France, circulaires assist in implementing laws and administrative procedures.

In commerce and marketing, a circulaire publicitaire is a flyer or catalog-like document sent to households or posted in public spaces to advertise products, discounts, or promotions. Retailers use circulaires to inform customers about weekly specials or seasonal campaigns; these communications are distinct from formal legal documents.

In science and biology, circulaire appears in phrases such as circular DNA, describing genetic material that forms a closed loop. The term conveys the circular topology of certain molecules or structures in contrast to linear forms.

Although the word exists in several languages with related meanings, its exact sense depends on context. Etymologically, circulaire derives from the idea of a circle (Latin circulus).