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

Now the teenager is splashed across every transfer bulletin, is being linked with Europe's top clubs and makes this list at number 10.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 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

He did not address an FBI bulletin released Wednesday evening warning that Iran “allegedly aspired” to attack California with drones as part of their war effort.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Within hours, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a bulletin telling airlines that airspace across almost the entire Middle East region wasn’t safe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

My list of eighth-grade goals is pinned up on the bulletin board next to the bookshelves, so neat and hopeful.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• announcement
• dispatch
• handout
• notice
• publication