communication

American  

[kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuhn] / kəˌmyu nɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of communicating; fact of being communicated.

2. the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.

3. something imparted, interchanged, or transmitted.

4. a document or message imparting news, views, information, etc.

5. passage, or an opportunity or means of passage, between places.

6. communications,

   1. means of sending messages, orders, etc., including telephone, telegraph, radio, and television.

   2. routes and transportation for moving troops and supplies from a base to an area of operations.

7. Biology.

   1. activity by one organism that changes or has the potential to change the behavior of other organisms.

   2. transfer of information from one cell or molecule to another, as by chemical or electrical signals.

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communication British  

/ kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of communicating; the imparting or exchange of information, ideas, or feelings

2. something communicated, such as a message, letter, or telephone call

3. 1. (usually plural; sometimes functioning as singular) the study of ways in which human beings communicate, including speech, gesture, telecommunication systems, publishing and broadcasting media, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      communication theory

4. a connecting route, passage, or link

5. (plural) military the system of routes and facilities by which forces, supplies, etc, are moved up to or within an area of operations

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Other Word Forms

• communicational adjective
• noncommunication noun
• overcommunication noun
• precommunication noun
• self-communication noun

Etymology

Origin of communication

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English communicacioun, from Middle French, from Latin commūnicātiōn-, stem of commūnicātiō, equivalent to commūnicāt(us) ( communicate ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

“More people want to use them,” said Lauren Colenso-Semple, a muscle physiology researcher and science communication specialist who follows scientific studies of peptides as part of her work.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

The ability to respond to incidents such as mine hits or missile attacks would require close communication between all involved nations and merchant ships, possibly carrying liaison officers onboard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

A crucial one to watch will be after a planned communication blackout during which the Orion passes behind the far side of the Moon.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Beyond demonstrating a new communication method, the project strengthened expertise in advanced quantum photonics at the University of Warsaw.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Miss Woodhouse made the proper acquiescence; and finding that nothing more was to be entrapped from any communication of Mrs. Cole’s, turned to Frank Churchill.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• connection
• contact
• conversation
• delivery
• intelligence
• link
• transmission