communication

noun

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

Definition of communication

1a : 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

2a : 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

Other Words from communication Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About communication

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for communication

Synonyms

dispatch,
message

Examples of communication in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web Teachers are in daily communication with students' parents. — Meg Oliver, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2021 The unit had issues in communication concerning blocking schemes. — Richard Dean, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Sep. 2021 For the first time, some of the planet’s most isolated peoples are in daily communication with the outside world without the traditional filters of journalists, academics or advocates. — Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2021 During his start Sunday, Pivetta was in constant communication with the Sox’ staff. — BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2021 If parents play a policing role this can lead to a breakdown in communication in this area of their child’s life. — Andy Robertson, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2021 The investigation, led by former Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle, found a breakdown in communication between MCAO leadership and the case's lead prosecutor, April Sponsel. — Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2021 It should be noted that MLS runs myriad aspects of the club, including the team’s budget, and RSL’s front office is in constant communication and consultation with the league. — Alex Vejar, The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Sep. 2021 Demaline holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cleveland State University. — cleveland, 5 Sep. 2021

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About communication

Dictionary Entries Near communication

communicate

communication

communication engineering

Statistics for communication

Last Updated

21 Sep 2021

Cite this Entry

“Communication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication. Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for communication

communication

noun

English Language Learners Definition of communication

: the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else

: a message that is given to someone : a letter, telephone call, etc.

: the ways of sending information to people by using technology

See the full definition for communication in the English Language Learners Dictionary

communication

noun

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

Kids Definition of communication

1 : the exchange (as by speech or letter) of information between persons

2 : information exchanged

3 communications plural : a system of sending information

4 communications plural : a system of routes for transportation

communication

noun

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

Medical Definition of communication

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

Keep scrolling for more

communication

noun

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

Legal Definition of communication

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