Circulation refers to the number of copies of a publication that are distributed and sold to readers, and is an important metric for publishers to determine the popularity and reach of their publication. It can be measured in different ways, such as physical copies sold or digital pageviews, and is often used to attract advertisers and determine advertising rates. However, it's important to note that circulation figures are not the only measure of a publication's success, as factors such as engagement and reader loyalty also play a role.