variants
also British despatch
dispatches; dispatched; dispatching
1
: to send (someone or something) quickly to a particular place for a particular purpose
Rescue workers were immediately dispatched to the area.
The hotel dispatched a limo to pick us up from the airport.
(formal) The message was dispatched to the general.
2
: to defeat (a person or team) in a game, contest, etc.
She easily dispatched [=(more commonly) beat] her opponent.
3
old-fashioned
: to kill (a person or animal) quickly
He dispatched the guard with one bullet.
variants
also British despatch
plural dispatches
1
: an important official message
The general sent a dispatch to headquarters.
Note: In British English, a soldier who is mentioned in dispatches is noted for bravery.
2
somewhat formal
: the act of sending someone or something to a particular place for a particular purpose
He requested the immediate dispatch of supplies/troops.
3
: a news story that a reporter sends to a newspaper usually from a foreign country
The reporter sent many dispatches from the war zone.
Cite this Entry
“Dispatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dispatch. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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