communication

noun

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

Essential Meaning of communication

1 : 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 human communication nonverbal communication See More ExamplesHe is studying insect communication. Parents need to have good communication with their children. [=they need to be able to understand and be understood by their children] communication problems/skills There was a breakdown in communication between members of the group. (formal) We are in communication by e-mail. [=we are communicating with each other by e-mail] television and other means of mass communicationHide

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

3 : the ways of sending information to people by using technology radio/wireless/electronic communications Communications is a growing industry. See More Examplescommunications systems/technology a communications satellite [=a satellite that is used to send signals for television, radio, etc., to people around the world]Hide

Full 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

Synonyms for communication

Synonyms

dispatch,
message

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 The couple had met two years earlier in Florida, so their relationship was mostly comprised of communication via phone, email, and text. — Erica Gonzales, ELLE, 20 Jan. 2022 What has been your communication with Disney as a company? — Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Jan. 2022 Another roadblock with ICHRAs is the communication with employees. — Tom Dean, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022 When the fax arrived as a mode of communication, André relished its usage and chose the largest font imaginable for his own missives. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2022 Howard said the primary obstacle for the team is the instant communication necessary during basketball, such as a call for a defensive switch between players. — Dave Melton, chicagotribune.com, 14 Jan. 2022 For some Alaskans stuck on protracted vacations, the lack of clear communication from airlines amid unprecedentedly long delays has been a main source of frustration. — Tribune News Service, oregonlive, 8 Jan. 2022 But clear, direct communication from the CDC about its recommendations is key for the agency to explain to Americans the reasoning behind its guidance. — NBC News, 7 Jan. 2022 For some Alaskans stuck on protracted vacations, the lack of clear communication from airlines amid unprecedentedly long delays has been a main source of frustration. — Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Jan. 2022

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

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Last Updated

24 Jan 2022

Cite this Entry

“Communication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication. Accessed 26 Jan. 2022.

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More Definitions for communication

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

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