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

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

He referenced a report from Reuters that the White House had paused the release of a draft bulletin earlier this month.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2026

I pinned the photo of Fred and me under Sookie’s shark to the bulletin board, next to the photo of Mom, Dad, and Sookie when they were young.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Related Words

• announcement
• dispatch
• handout
• notice
• publication