circumnavigate

Circumnavigate is a verb meaning to travel around the world or a planet, returning to the starting point, typically along a roughly circular route that encircles the globe. The noun circumnavigation refers to such a journey. Etymology: from Latin circum-, around, and navigare, to sail.

In practice, circumnavigations have occurred by sea, air, and, more rarely, by land or human power. The most famous example is the first circumnavigation of the Earth by the Magellan expedition (1519–1522); although Ferdinand Magellan died in the Philippines, his expedition completed the voyage under Juan Sebastián Elcano, proving the world could be circumnavigated by sea.

In the 20th century, circumnavigation expanded to air travel and later to sport and adventure pursuits. Wiley Post completed the first solo circumnavigation by air in 1933. Since then, crews and individuals have undertaken nonstop, unassisted or supported circumnavigations by aircraft and sailing vessels. Modern competitions include round-the-world sailing races and cross-continental circumnavigations by road or bicycle, illustrating the variety of feasible routes and methods.

Routes and definitions vary: some projects require crossing all meridians and returning to the origin via a continuous loop; others allow multiple landfalls and resupply points as long as the journey encircles the globe. Circumnavigation remains a notable measure of endurance, navigational prowess, and the capabilities of transportation technology.