bulletin

American  

[bool-i-tn, -tin] / ˈbʊl ɪ tn, -tɪn /

noun

1. a brief account or statement, as of news or events, issued for the information of the public.

2. Journalism.

   1. a brief, prominently featured newspaper account, based upon information received just before the edition went to press.

   2. a similar brief account broadcast over radio or television pending further information.

3. a pamphlet or monograph summarizing the past achievements, existing conditions, and future plans of a corporation, educational institution, government agency, etc., especially one cataloging the classes taught at a college or university.

4. an official, special, or scholarly periodical, as of a learned society.

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verb (used with object)

bulletined, bulletining

1. to make known by a bulletin.

bulletin British  

/ ˈbʊlɪtɪn /

noun

1. an official statement on a matter of public interest, such as the illness of a public figure

2. a broadcast summary of the news

3. a periodical publication of an association, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to make known by bulletin

Etymology

Origin of bulletin

1645–55; < French, perhaps < Italian bullettino, equivalent to bullett ( a ) ( bulla bull ³ + -etta -ette ) + -ino -ine ²

Explanation

A brief news report or statement that's written or spoken is a bulletin. A TV reporter might read a bulletin announcing the winner of a presidential election, for example. You're most likely to hear a bulletin on the radio or television, usually in the form of a news update. A bulletin can also be a written or emailed report or newsletter that gives you brief information. A bulletin board is a message board that has such bulletins pinned to it. The root of bulletin is the Italian bulletta, "document" or "voting slip."

Example Sentences

In a bulletin posted over the weekend, he noted that long-term interest rates are normally driven by Fed expectations.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

During the Cold War, the BBC would repeat its 90-minute Russian-language bulletin three times a week, so people could listen at least once.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

After the Sheriff’s Department released its initial bulletin, more than 10 other potential victims have come forward with allegations, Det.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

There were bulletin boards, giant Post-It notes, timelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The announcer is handed a news bulletin, and he reads it to the audience.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• announcement
• dispatch
• handout
• notice
• publication