communication

noun

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

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

kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• dispatch
• message

Example Sentences

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

As always, fashion in these contexts is a high stakes method of communication. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 May 2023

Nate Green communications director with the Northwest Arkansas Council declined to speculate until the entire data set can be reviewed. —Ron Wood, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2023

But Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei has complained about a lack of communication between the two governments and has even been calling Republican lawmakers in Congress for their help. —Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 16 May 2023

Mike Ricci, who served as Hogan's communications director in the governor's office as well as a spokesperson for House speakers Paul Ryan and John Boehner, is handling press for the group. —Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 15 May 2023

Jennie Van Meter recently started a new position as senior communications and public relations manager at UC San Diego Extended Studies. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2023

The flight crew can dispense prescription medications approved by these physicians, who provide advice by such communication devices as satellite phone, radio or app. —Andrea Sachs, Anchorage Daily News, 14 May 2023

The internal communications involving Zelensky and his top aides and military leaders suggest discussions about occupying villages in Russia for leverage against Moscow and bombing a pipeline transferring Russian oil to Hungary, a NATO member. —Brittany Shammas, Washington Post, 14 May 2023

Tragedy struck early Early in the school year, students expressed concern with the vagueness of communications from the school following two student deaths, leaving students open to interpret the cause of death based on information from friends and social media. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 13 May 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see communicate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing communication

• in communication
• near field communication

• in communication
• near field communication

Kids Definition

communication

noun

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

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 

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

Legal Definition

communication

noun

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

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