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1

report

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noun re·port \ ri-ˈpȯrt \

Definition of report

1 a :common talk or an account spread by common talk :rumor
b :quality of reputation
  • a witness of good report
2 a :a usually detailed account or statement
  • a news report
b :an account or statement of a judicial opinion or decision
c :a usually formal record of the proceedings of a meeting or session
3 :an explosive noise
— on report
:subject to disciplinary action
  • was put on report for the violation

See report defined for English-language learners

See report defined for kids

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Examples of report in a Sentence

  1. a special report on health

  2. a report from our correspondent in China

  3. She wrote a report of the meeting.

  4. He gave a detailed report on the project.

  5. She filled out a police report at the scene of the accident.

  6. the government's report on crime in 2006

  7. Unconfirmed reports state that over 100 people were hurt.

  8. Police have received reports of gang activity in the neighborhood.

Recent Examples of report from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of report

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from reporter to bring back, report, from Latin reportare, from re- + portare to carry — more at fare

report Synonyms

Synonyms
bang, blast, boom, crack, crash, pop, clap, slam, smash, snap, thunderclap, thwack, whack, whomp, whump
Related Words
thunk, wham; clang, clangor, clank, clash; knock, rap, tap; blare, clamor, howl, hubbub, hue and cry, hullabaloo, outcry, roar, tumult, uproar
Near Antonyms
discredit, disgrace, dishonor, disrepute, ignominy, infamy, obloquy, odium, opprobrium, reproach, shame
2

report

verb

Definition of report

transitive verb
1 a :to give an account of :relate
b :to describe as being in a specified state
  • reported him much improved
2 a :to serve as carrier of (a message)
b :to relate the words or sense of (something said)
c :to make a written record or summary of
d (1) :to watch for and write about the newsworthy aspects or developments of :cover
(2) :to prepare or present an account of for broadcast
3 a (1) :to give a formal or official account or statement of
  • the treasurer reported a balance of ten dollars
(2) :to return or present (a matter referred for consideration) with conclusions or recommendations
b :to announce or relate as the result of investigation
  • reported no sign of disease
c :to announce the presence, arrival, or sighting of
d :to make known to the proper authorities
  • report a fire
e :to make a charge of misconduct against
intransitive verb
1 a :to give an account :tell
b :to present oneself
  • reported to the front desk
c :to account for oneself
  • reported sick on Friday
d :to work as a subordinate
  • reports to the vice president
2 :to make, issue, or submit a report
3 :to act in the capacity of a reporter

See report defined for English-language learners

Examples of report in a Sentence

  1. The murder was reported in the national news.

  2. Several TV stations are reporting that the police are close to making an arrest.

  3. Their job is to report the news accurately and fairly.

  4. He was asked to report the details of the meeting.

  5. Tomorrow the committee will report its findings on air pollution.

  6. The doctor reported some improvement in her condition.

Recent Examples of report from the Web

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

First Known Use of report

14th century

report Synonyms

Synonyms
chart, chronicle, describe, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, tell
Related Words
deliver, give, reel off, state, utter, voice; detail, enumerate, itemize, particularize; bare, disclose, divulge, expose, let on (about), reveal; delineate, depict, express, render, sketch

Phrases Related to REPORT

Related Phrases

REPORT Defined for English Language Learners

report

play
noun

Definition of report for English Language Learners

  • : a story in a newspaper or on radio or television that is about something that happened or that gives information about something

  • : a written or spoken description of a situation, event, etc.

  • : an official document that gives information about a particular subject

report

verb

Definition of report for English Language Learners

  • : to give information about (something) in a newspaper or on television or radio

  • : to tell people about (something) : to make a report about (something)

  • : to describe (a feeling, condition, etc.)

REPORT Defined for Kids

1

report

play
noun re·port \ ri-ˈpȯrt \

Definition of report for Students

1 :a usually complete description or statement
  • a weather report
  • a book report
2 :a written or spoken statement that may or may not be true
  • There are reports of a breakthrough.
3 :reputation 1
  • They're people of evil report.
4 :an explosive noise
  • the report of a gun
2

report

verb

Definition of report for Students

reported; reporting
1 :to give a written or spoken description of something
  • A witness reported what happened.
2 :to make known to the proper authorities
  • report a fire
3 :to complain about (someone) for misconduct
  • He will report the bully to the principal.
4 :to make a statement that may or may not be true
  • The man is reported to be all right.
5 :to prepare or present an account of something (as for television or a newspaper)
6 :to show up
  • He reports for work at noon.
—

reporter

noun

Synonym Discussion of report

report, describe, and narrate mean to talk or write about something. report is used of giving information to others often after some investigation has been done.
    • Newspapers report important events.
describe is used of giving a clear mental picture of an event or situation.
    • Students were asked to describe a day at school.
narrate means to tell a story with a beginning and an end.
    • The speaker narrated a tale about pirates.

Law Dictionary

1

report

noun re·port

legal Definition of report

:a usually detailed account or statement: as
a :an account or statement of the facts of a case heard and of the decision and opinion of the court or of a quasi-judicial tribunal determining the case
b :a written submission of a question of law (as by a lower court) to an appellate court for review before final decision is entered
c :a usually formal and sometimes official statement giving the conclusions and recommendations of a person (as a master) or group (as a legislative committee) authorized or delegated to consider a matter or proposal
  • the committee made an unfavorable report on the bill
d :a usually formal account of the results of an investigation given by a person or group delegated or authorized to make the investigation
e :an analysis of operations and progress and a statement of future plans made at stated intervals by an administrator or executive or group of executives to those to whom such a report is owed
  • the board of directors issued its annual report to the stockholders
2

report

transitive verb

legal Definition of report

1 a :to make a written record or summary of
  • report a case
b :to make a shorthand record of
2 a :to give a formal or official account or statement of
b :to return or present (a matter officially referred for consideration) with conclusions or recommendations; specifically :report out
c :to announce or relate as the result of a special search, examination, or investigation
d :to make known to the proper authorities
  • reported the fire
e :to make a charge of misconduct against
  • reported him for harassment
intransitive verb
1 :to present oneself
  • reported for jury duty
2 :to make, issue, submit, or present a report
  • the committee will report this afternoon

Learn More about report

  1. See words that rhyme with report Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for report Spanish Central: Translation of report Nglish: Translation of report for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of report for Arabic speakers

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Tip: Synonym Guide
Examples: report in a Sentence