communication

noun

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

1

a

: 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

2

a

: 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

communicational

kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• dispatch
• message

Example Sentences

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

The deliberate cutoff of outside communication stirs panic and confusion in isolation. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 21 Jan. 2023

Perez also got a master’s degree in ethnic studies and a dual doctorate in ethnic studies and communication, both at UCSD. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2023

Folks don’t really write letters anymore — epistolary communication has migrated to e-mail. —Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Jan. 2023

The lack of transition effort and communication isn't a constant throughout most contests, and a common pattern has emerged in second halves. —Michael Shapiro, Chron, 21 Jan. 2023

Before the crash, the pilot and air traffic control were in quick communication regarding problems aboard the plane, according to audio of the incident from LiveATC.net. —Kristina Sgueglia, CNN, 21 Jan. 2023

Service is being restored to some MARC trains after a systemwide-communication outage suspended operations early Friday morning. —Ngan Ho, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2023

Coming off Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey's season of The Bachelorette, on which Recchia, 26, shockingly dumped him after their night in the Fantasy Suite, taught Shallcross to prioritize communication on his season. —Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2023

The country won praise for its quick response and elimination strategy—which relied heavily on scientific advice and which, boosted by clear communication, meant New Zealand had one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the world. —Amy Gunia, Time, 20 Jan. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see communicate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Phrases Containing communication

• in communication
• near field communication

• in communication
• near field communication

Kids Definition

communication

noun

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

1

: an act or instance of transmitting

2

: information communicated : message

received an important communication

3

: an exchange of information

4

plural

a

: a system (as of telephones) for sending and receiving messages

b

: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles

Medical Definition

communication

noun

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

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

Legal Definition

communication

noun

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

: the expression to another of information or thoughts through speech, writing, or gestures see also confidential communication, privileged communication