plural reports
1
: a story in a newspaper or on radio or television that is about something that happened or that gives information about something
a news/weather/financial report
a special report on/about health
a report from our correspondent in China
2
a
: a written or spoken description of a situation, event, etc.
She wrote/made a report of the meeting.
He gave a detailed/full report on/about the project.
a medical report
a book report
She filled out a police report at the scene of the accident.
Can you give us a quick progress report? [=an explanation of how something is developing]
b
: an official document that gives information about a particular subject
the government's report on crime in 2006
The company issued/published/released its annual (business) report.
3
: a written or spoken statement about something that may or may not be true
Unconfirmed reports state that over 100 people were hurt.
Police have received reports of gang activity in the neighborhood.
By/from all reports, you are a very hard worker. [=everyone says that you are a very hard worker]
4
formal
: a loud noise made by a gun or an explosion
the sharp report of a rifle
5
British
: report card
reports; reported; reporting
1
: to give information about (something) in a newspaper or on television or radio
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.
It was reported (on the news) that two people died in the fire. = Two people were reported to have died in the fire.
—often + onHe reports on political news for a local TV station.
2
: to tell people about (something) : to make a report about (something)
He was asked to report the details of the meeting.
Tomorrow the committee will report its findings on air pollution.
—often + onShe reported on the project to her manager.
3
a
: to describe (a feeling, condition, etc.)
He reported feeling depressed. = He reported that he felt depressed. [=he said that he felt depressed]
The doctor reported some improvement in her condition.
b
Note: Something that is reported is said by people and may or may not be true.
4
: to tell the police, fire department, etc., about (something, such as a crime or accident).
He called 911 and reported a fire.
She reported the burglary to the police.
They reported their son missing. [=they told the police that their son was missing]
5
: to tell someone with authority about (someone who has broken a rule, done something wrong, etc.)
They threatened to report him to the police.
—often + forThe teacher reported him to the principal for misbehaving in class.
6
: to go somewhere and tell someone that you have arrived
—usually + for or to
The new recruits are expected to report for duty next week.
Please report to the office immediately when you arrive.
He was asked to report for work at 7:00 a.m.
Cite this Entry
“Report.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/report. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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