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communiqué

American  
[kuh-myoo-ni-key, kuh-myoo-ni-key] / kəˌmyu nɪˈkeɪ, kəˈmyu nɪˌkeɪ /

noun

  1. an official bulletin or communication, usually to the press or public.


communiqué British  
/ kəˈmjuːnɪˌkeɪ /

noun

  1. an official communication or announcement, esp to the press or public

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of communiqué

1850–55; < French: literally, communicated, past participle of communiquer < Latin commūnicāre to communicate

Explanation

A communique is an official message that's sent between people or to a media outlet. A company might release a communique to the local newspaper announcing the name of the new CEO. Any kind of formal announcement, report, or statement can be called a communique, especially if someone in authority issues it. Your boss might send out a communique to all her employees letting them know about a new company policy, for example. The word comes from the French communiqué, or "communicated," and even in English is often spelled with the French accent on the e — a good reminder of how it's pronounced, with a final ay sound.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing communique

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The Japanese government's position on Taiwan remains unchanged and is consistent with the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique."

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s remarks Monday were delivered virtually to a forum marking the 50th anniversary of the Shanghai Communique signed during the icebreaking 1972 visit to China by President Richard Nixon.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2022

In 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issued the Shanghai Communique, which called for normalizing relations between their countries, at the conclusion of Nixon’s historic visit to China.

From Washington Times • Feb. 28, 2021

He said he wants Mr Lavrov to pressure the Syrian government to agree to the implementation of the Geneva Communique, which calls for the formation of a transitional administration.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2014

Here are the facts as stated in the following Government Communique dated 10th July 1920:-- An unfortunate affair in connection with the Mahajarin occurred on the 8th instant at Kacha Garhi between Peshawar and Jamrud.

From Freedom's Battle Being a Comprehensive Collection of Writings and Speeches on the Present Situation by Gandhi, Mahatma