communication

com·mu·ni·ca·tion | \ kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən

Definition of communication

1a : 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

2a : 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

Other Words from communication Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about communication

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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 Land, 1991 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 Use those alternative forms of communication to make plans to meet up in real life. — Adam Schubak, Redbook, "Things I Learned About Life Over the Past Decade," 27 Nov. 2019 But this might be the first time that a former White House communications director was in the loop. — Wired, "The Guy Behind Bloomberg2020.org: ‘We Know How to Do Logos’," 26 Nov. 2019 The bird was hit in the ulna — a bone in its wing — but the bullet fragments weren’t immediately removed over fears her wing could be further damaged, communications director Tracey Berry told the station Sunday. — Fox News, "Bald eagle rescued in Missouri after being shot in wing; shooter could face $100G fine," 26 Nov. 2019 Of those who spoke at the meeting, both Becca Latham, the district’s communications director, and Jensen said most supported the instructors’ opposition to the two plans discussed. — Steve Sadin, chicagotribune.com, "District 109 talks out details of enrollment-based staffing," 22 Nov. 2019 She was soon named its communications director and chief financial officer. — Jacques Kelly, baltimoresun.com, "Charlotte Hawtin, who directed the Joseph Richey Hospice, dies," 22 Nov. 2019 And the Senator’s words came delivered through an over-the-top flamethrower, his communications director Stephen Miller. — Kyle Whitmire, al, "Forget the future, GOP. It’s Miller time!," 22 Nov. 2019 Peter Leggett, Carter’s communications director, said in a statement Tuesday. — Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, "St. Paul police chief sought state funding for gunshot-location system, but mayor unswayed," 19 Nov. 2019 Whitney Lewis, the communications director for Wayne County's public services department, said a consultant's inspection that occurred about three months ago uncovered deterioration on the deck part of the bridge and prompted the emergency closure. — Omar Abdel-baqui, Detroit Free Press, "Grosse Ile supervisor: We had 'almost no notice' on parkway bridge closure," 15 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'communication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near communication

communication engineering

communications zone

communication theory

Statistics for communication

Last Updated

2 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Communication.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication. Accessed 7 December 2019.

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More Definitions for communication

communication

noun

English Language Learners Definition of communication

: the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else

formal : a message that is given to someone : a letter, telephone call, etc.

: the ways of sending information to people by using technology

See the full definition for communication in the English Language Learners Dictionary

communication

noun

com·mu·ni·ca·tion | \ kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən

Kids Definition of communication

1 : the exchange (as by speech or letter) of information between persons

2 : information exchanged

3 communications plural : a system of sending information

4 communications plural : a system of routes for transportation

communication

noun

com·mu·ni·ca·tion | \ kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən

Medical Definition of communication

1 : the act or process of transmitting information (as about ideas, attitudes, emotions, or objective behavior) nonverbal interpersonal communication emotional communication between parent and child— G. 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

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communication

noun

com·mu·ni·ca·tion | \ kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən

Legal Definition of communication

: the expression to another of information or thoughts through speech, writing, or gestures — see also confidential communication, privileged communication

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