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

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

The family member who made the discovery has been in regular communication with the family and became concerned when that had stopped, Vainuku said. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 20 Dec. 2024

From your initial inquiry to ongoing checkups, the staff's proficiency in multiple languages ensures seamless communication. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

However, the survey also found technology brings some communication challenges, with more than a third of participants in Arizona citing miscommunication as a major cause of family disagreements, and about half admitted to blocking or muting a family member at some point. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024

Improvements in modern transportation and communication, and the increasingly vital role of the president and of the United States in the world, helped motivate the change from March 4 to January 20, starting with FDR’s second inauguration in 1937. —Guy Ciarrocchi, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see communicate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing 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