communication

noun

com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce communication (audio)
1
a
: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior
the function of pheromones in insect communication
also : exchange of information
b
: personal rapport
a lack of communication between old and young persons
2
a
: information communicated : information transmitted or conveyed
b
: a verbal or written message
The captain received an important communication.
3
communications plural
a
: a system (as of telephones or computers) for transmitting or exchanging information
wireless electronic communications
b
: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles
c
: personnel engaged in communicating : personnel engaged in transmitting or exchanging information
4
communications plural in form but singular or plural in construction
a
: a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech)
b
: the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or telecommunication)
5
: an act or instance of transmitting
the communication of disease
6
anatomy : a connection between bodily parts
Surprisingly little is known about the communication between the alveolar and terminal bronchiolar surfaces …Richard C. Boucher
communicational adjective

Examples of communication in a Sentence

Communication between children in the class was not prohibited but was afforded time slots … Jonathan Kozol, Harper's, September 2005
It's not an oral communication. It's body language, eye contact, the grinning, the little signals that go on between people. Keith Richards, quoted in Rolling Stone, 14-28 July 1994
If the book is good and even if one is reading to oneself, what is happening is a very special sort of social event, a communication between writer and reader … Walker Percy, "Another Message In The Bottle," in Signposts in a Strange Land1991
This is a secret and confidential communication which I am trusting you to answer on the sly. Alexander Woollcott, letter, 20 Oct. 1934
Whom else had she to open her heart to? If she did not need counsel, she must need the comfort of communication. Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
You don't talk to him, he talks at you. You scream and shout at each other, but there's no communication. Zadie Smith, White Teeth
He is studying insect communication. There was a breakdown in communication between members of the group. television and other means of mass communication Communications is a growing industry. He majored in communications in college.
Recent Examples on the Web School representatives such as teachers, counselors, club advisers, communication staff and principals can nominate these high school students by 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Melanie Laughman, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 Global advertising and communications company Havas appointed Damien Escobar as its first-ever global chief music officer, effective immediately. Marc Schneider, Billboard, 8 Mar. 2024 The trial turned on its head Saturday, when defense attorneys suddenly received thousands of pages of previously undisclosed documents, including attorney-client communications, Bach said. Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Telecom and network infrastructure technology architect: $149,000 a year Agency: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Location: Dallas This position is responsible for leading the development, implementation and design of communication infrastructure systems. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 Once, during a communications blackout, Ruba heard that the refugee camp where her sister was sheltering had been bombed. Claire Porter Robbins, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2024 About 2,000 animals a year are treated at the non-profit rehabilitation center, said communications director Hannah McDougall. USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2024 Clear and courteous communication of your needs allows the crew members to customize their service to meet your expectations, ensuring a more enjoyable and personalized journey. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Its mission is to better organize the Ukrainian military for the needs of fighting a large-scale war, seeking to improve things like communication and coordination between branches. Marc Santora, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'communication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see communicate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of communication was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near communication

Cite this Entry

“Communication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

communication

noun
com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce communication (audio)
1
: an act or instance of transmitting
2
: information communicated : message
received an important communication
3
: an exchange of information
4
plural
a
: a system (as of telephones) for sending and receiving messages
b
: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles

Medical Definition

communication

noun
com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce communication (audio)
1
: the act or process of transmitting information (as about ideas, attitudes, emotions, or objective behavior)
nonverbal interpersonal communication
emotional communication between parent and childG. S. Blum
: as
a
: exchange of information between individuals through a common system of signs, symbols, or behavior
pictorial representation is a usable channel of communication between humans and the chimpanzee
the function of pheromones in insect communication
b
: personal rapport
a lack of communication between young and old persons
2
: information communicated
3
: a connection between bodily parts
an artificial communication between the esophagus and the stomach

Legal Definition

communication

noun
com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce communication (audio)
: the expression to another of information or thoughts through speech, writing, or gestures see also confidential communication, privileged communication
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