1. to sail or travel completely around (something, especially the Earth or a body of water)
Usage: transitive verb; often used in historical or geographical contexts
2. to go around or avoid (an obstacle or difficulty) by finding an indirect route or method
Usage: transitive verb; figurative use

Examples

• Ferdinand Magellan's expedition was the first to circumnavigate the globe.
• The explorer spent three years circumnavigating the African continent by ship.
• We had to circumnavigate the flooded road by taking a detour through the countryside.
• The company found a way to circumnavigate the regulations without breaking the law.
• Early sailors dreamed of circumnavigating the world to prove it was round.
• The hiking trail circumnavigates the entire lake, offering scenic views throughout.