communication

American  

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

noun

communications plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• communications
  plural

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) ( see communicate) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Good communication is at the heart of good relationships. Communication is the process of giving information or ideas to someone, as by using words, actions, or sounds. In the plural form, communications has a few specialized meanings: a field of study, a profession, or a system involving the sending of information to people by the use of technology such as radio or satellite. In these senses, communications can be used with a singular or plural verb. The noun communication is from Latin communicare "to share, participate" (from communis "common") plus the suffix –ion "an act or process."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

communication communications

The vesicles contained proteins involved in essential brain activities, including communication between neurons, memory and the release of neurotransmitters.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

This is just your boss’s preferred communication style.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

When coupled with open and interoperable ecosystems, AI can surface insights from previously siloed solutions, helping utilities better forecast disruptions, manage flexible demand, improve customer communication and accelerate decision-making during major events.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

He first believed "everything was going according to plan", but by January 2018, Paul started to worry after the sale felt it was taking too long and the communication became poor.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

Yet, even in front of men chosen for their positive stance on spirit communication, Maggie’s powers deserted her.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Over the longer term, the technology could support industries that depend on extremely fast information processing, including autonomous driving, next-generation communications, and quantum technologies.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

“We see the pullback presenting an opportunity to gain exposure to the leader across launch, communications and space infrastructure,” Golding said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

At the bank, people familiar with the matter said, he spied on fellow executives—using his authority over the security department and position to access sensitive information and internal communications without an apparent business justification.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026

"These would include satellites supporting services that millions rely on every day, from agriculture and fisheries to disaster management, communications, connectivity, navigation and national security. So, the economic opportunity is huge."

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

Not only had Foaly built their communications network from scratch, but he was also a pioneer in the field of flare prediction.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Related Words

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