communicate

verb

com·​mu·​ni·​cate kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce communicate (audio)
communicated; communicating

transitive verb

1
a
: to convey knowledge of or information about : make known
communicate a story
She communicated her ideas to the group.
b
: to reveal by clear signs
His fear communicated itself to his friends.
He communicated his dissatisfaction to the staff.
2
: to cause to pass from one to another
Some diseases are easily communicated.
3
archaic : share

intransitive verb

1
: to transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood
two sides failing to communicate with each other
The computer communicates with peripheral equipment.
2
: to open into each other : connect
The rooms communicate.
3
: to receive Communion
Some Christians communicate in both elements, bread and wine.
communicatee noun

Examples of communicate in a Sentence

He was asked to communicate the news to the rest of the people. She communicated her ideas to the group. The two computers are able to communicate directly with one another. The pilot communicated with the airport just before the crash. The couple has trouble communicating. the challenge of getting the two groups to communicate with each other We communicate a lot of information through body language. He communicated his dissatisfaction to the staff. If you're excited about the product, your enthusiasm will communicate itself to customers. The disease is communicated through saliva.
Recent Examples on the Web California Autism awareness really is growing, but harmful misconceptions still remain April 18, 2023 Autism is a neurological and developmental condition affecting how people interact, communicate, learn and behave. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Little things have happened through the years that have upset people, and no one ever communicates or makes up with each other. Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 In 1986, the NIH establish a policy that encouraged the inclusion of women in studies, but the policy was poorly communicated and inconsistently applied. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2024 During oral arguments on Monday, the justices seemed skeptical of a ruling that would broadly restrict the government's communications with social media platforms, raising concerns about hamstringing officials' ability to communicate with platforms about certain matters. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2024 Rip crews—teams of robbers, communicating via encrypted apps—often wear hooded clothing, complicating efforts to identify faces. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Her split from the prime minister—communicated via Instagram in August—had been a surprise, not least to those who had once judged the Trudeaus #CouplesGoals. Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024 That’s because its wares are somehow timeless and fashion-forward all at once, with a distinct style that subtly communicates world-traveler vibes, but in a breezy, effortless way. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2024 Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said the teen was communicating with a man in his 20s about the attack. The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'communicate.' 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

Latin communicatus, past participle of communicare to impart, participate, from communis common — more at mean

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of communicate was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near communicate

Cite this Entry

“Communicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communicate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

communicate

verb
com·​mu·​ni·​cate kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce communicate (audio)
communicated; communicating
1
a
: to make known
communicate the news
b
: to pass from one to another : transmit
communicate a disease
2
: to transmit information, thought, or feeling so that it is satisfactorily received or understood
the pilot communicated with the airport
3
: to open into each other : connect
the rooms communicate
communicator noun

Medical Definition

communicate

transitive verb
com·​mu·​ni·​cate kə-ˈmyü-nə-ˌkāt How to pronounce communicate (audio)
communicated; communicating
: to cause to pass from one to another
some diseases are easily communicated

More from Merriam-Webster on communicate

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