report

noun re·port \ ri-ˈpȯrt \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: report in a Sentence

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

Examples of report in a Sentence

a special report on health
a report from our correspondent in China
She wrote a report of the meeting.
He gave a detailed report on the project.
She filled out a police report at the scene of the accident.
the government's report on crime in 2006
Unconfirmed reports state that over 100 people were hurt.
Police have received reports of gang activity in the neighborhood.

Recent Examples of report from the Web

Zahra Ullah and Ivan Watson contributed to this report.

— sheena mckenzie and sandi sidhu, CNN, "Syrian President to meet Kim Jong Un in North Korea, report says," 3 June 2018
Free Press staff writer Todd Spangler contributed to this report.

— david jesse, Detroit Free Press, "Ex-MSU president saw William Strampel as 'boorish,' not a sex predator," 3 June 2018
Staff writers Kristina Davis and Pauline Repard contributed to this report.

— lori weisberg, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Final campaign push in San Diego: walking and phoning," 2 June 2018
Bill Glauber of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

— patrick marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The huge Democratic field to challenge Scott Walker is sign of enthusiasm and an obstacle," 2 June 2018
Republic reporters Lorraine Longhi, Lily Altavena, Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, Yihyun Jeong and Laura Gómez contributed to this report.

— azcentral, "Election 2018: Here's who wants to run your Valley city," 1 June 2018
Staff writers Emily Lane and Laura McKnight contributed to this report.

— marie simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Man wanted in Mother's Day shooting that killed man, wounded teen girl, turns himself in: NOPD," 1 June 2018
Ted Sickinger of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Trump orders Energy Dept. to halt shutdown of coal, nuclear plants," 1 June 2018
Tampa Bay Times correspondent William March contributed to this report.

— steve bousquet and alex leary, miamiherald, "Is he an outsider or an insider? Rick Scott’s message clashes with Florida reality.," 1 June 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

report Synonyms

Synonyms

bang, blast, boom, clap, crack, crash, pop, 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;

report

verb

Definition of report

reported; reporting; reports

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

The murder was reported in the national news.
Several TV stations are reporting that the police are close to making an arrest.
Their job is to report the news accurately and fairly.
He was asked to report the details of the meeting.
Tomorrow the committee will report its findings on air pollution.
The doctor reported some improvement in her condition.

Recent Examples of report from the Web

Nine people were shot and four killed in total over 31 hours in the city, the Commercial Appeal reported.

— scott berson, charlotteobserver, "'I just let loose.' Homeowner uses AK-47 to kill burglars who shot at his friend, cops say," 4 June 2018
His confirmed Sunday that the police union representing the former officer is planning to contest that termination, the Athens News reports.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Ohio Officer Fired After Racist Posts About Black Female Police Chief," 4 June 2018
The Oregonian/Oregon Live reported a small bonfire was lit.

— CBS News, "Antifacists, right-wing groups clash during dueling protests in Portland," 4 June 2018
Asian-American voters could have a big impact in Orange County, the New York Times reports.

— NBC News, "First Read's Morning Clips: What's next for Joe Biden?," 4 June 2018
The vast majority of America’s gun dealers largely comply with federal laws, and the level of violations cited in the A.T.F.’s reports varies widely.

— ali watkins, New York Times, "When Guns Are Sold Illegally, A.T.F. Is Lenient on Punishment," 3 June 2018
Robert Crosland, a science teacher at Preston Junior High in Idaho, was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for the March 7 incident, the Idaho Statesman reported.

— emma sarran webster, Teen Vogue, "A Teacher Was Charged with Animal Cruelty for Allegedly Feeding a Live Puppy to a Turtle," 3 June 2018
Although the suits are proceeding, the attorneys involved are also waiting for the Cal Fire reports.

— david r. baker, San Francisco Chronicle, "PG&E’s survival hinges on Wine Country fire reports," 3 June 2018
Daniel Beckwitt, 27, had grown frightened at the prospect of a nuclear missile attack by North Korea, the New York Daily News reported.

— Fox News, "Man charged in death of worker hired to dig doomsday tunnels," 1 June 2018

First Known Use of report

14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

report Synonyms

Synonyms

chart, chronicle, describe, narrate, recite, recount, rehearse, relate, tell;

detail, enumerate, itemize, particularize;

bare, disclose, divulge, expose, let on (about), reveal;

delineate, depict, express, render, sketch;

Phrases

set forth;

REPORT Defined for English Language Learners

report

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

report

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

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

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