communication

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

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Examples: communication in a Sentence

Definition of communication

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

play \kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

See communication defined for English-language learners

See communication defined for kids

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 of communication from the Web

But the decision to specifically highlight Stone's communications with Guccifer 2.0 in court papers raises new questions about Mueller's interest in Stone's activities.

— rosalind s. helderman and manuel roig-franzia, chicagotribune.com, "Charges against Russian officers intensify spotlight on Trump adviser Stone," 13 July 2018
The new requirements call for better communication with parents and tighter guidelines to safely remove flaking and peeling paint.

— dylan purcell, Philly.com, "Can Philadelphia school officials be trusted with millions in state money to clean up lead paint?," 12 July 2018
Legitimate businesses proofread their official communications.

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'Good Morning America' Host Lara Spencer Warns Fans of Popular Scam Using Her Name," 10 July 2018
Among the Russians meeting with the Republicans Tuesday was Sergei Kislyak — the former Russian ambassador to Washington whose communications with Michael Flynn led to the former national security adviser’s downfall.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "Republican lawmakers come to Moscow, raising hopes there of US-Russia thaw," 3 July 2018
Commissioner Larry West says the project already was slipping, based on communications with the company.

— Post-Tribune, "State briefs," 3 July 2018
In August, the Lakers were even fined $500,000 for tampering when the NBA discovered that George’s agent, Aaron Mintz, had improper communication with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

— sam amick, USA TODAY, "Party time in OKC: Paul George agrees to re-sign with Thunder," 30 June 2018
The police responded by ordering Herbst to have no further communication with his former friend.

— daniela altimari, courant.com, "Temperamental? Thin-Skinned? Republican Tim Herbst Says He's 'Authentic'," 28 June 2018
His family has called for communication with law enforcement.

— joe robertson, kansascity, "No 'cause or provocation': Father sues Topeka police for killing his son," 28 June 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of communication

see communicate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 5

See Words from the same year

communication Synonyms

Synonyms

dispatch, message;

Related Words

bulletin, communiqué, report;

memo, memorandum, notice;

epistle, letter, missive, note;

electronic mail, e-mail, voice mail;

intelligence, news, tidings, word;

command, directive, instruction, order;

COMMUNICATION Defined for English Language Learners

communication

noun

Definition of communication for English Language Learners

: 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
: a message that is given to someone : a letter, telephone call, etc.
communications : the ways of sending information to people by using technology

COMMUNICATION Defined for Kids

communication

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

Definition of communication for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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

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

Law Dictionary

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