communication

[kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuhn]

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.

communication

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of communication¹

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

"Rural elderly residents usually receive information through door-to-door communication. It's unclear how the local authorities had informed them and managed the situation," said Awa.

From BBC

The GSF said several boats reported explosions and unidentified objects being dropped, as well as drones overhead and communications jamming.

From BBC

It described an autistic child as one who, by the age of 2½, showed impaired communication, unusual responses to their environment and a lack of interest in other people.

From Los Angeles Times

Celebrities have even gone as far as to warn their fans not to trust any communication from them that comes from social media.

From Los Angeles Times

"In terms of communication, to get my messaging across, that process started 15 months ago. Hopefully they will see some good results."

From BBC

Related Words

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