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communiqué

American  
[kuh-myoo-ni-key, kuh-myoo-ni-key] / kəˌmju nɪˈkeɪ, kəˈmju nɪˌkeɪ /

noun

  1. an official bulletin or communication, usually to the press or public.


communiqué British  
/ kəˈmjuːnɪˌkeɪ /

noun

  1. an official communication or announcement, esp to the press or public

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of communiqué

1850–55; < French: literally, communicated, past participle of communiquer < Latin commūnicāre to communicate

Explanation

A communique is an official message that's sent between people or to a media outlet. A company might release a communique to the local newspaper announcing the name of the new CEO. Any kind of formal announcement, report, or statement can be called a communique, especially if someone in authority issues it. Your boss might send out a communique to all her employees letting them know about a new company policy, for example. The word comes from the French communiqué, or "communicated," and even in English is often spelled with the French accent on the e — a good reminder of how it's pronounced, with a final ay sound.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing communique

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A communiqué from Gen Mladić's headquarters captured his attitude.

From BBC Aug. 27, 2026

The summit ended without any joint announcements on specific deals, or any broader communiqué covering trade or other matters, but both sides celebrated the visit as a reset in relations.

From The Wall Street Journal May 15, 2026

President Emmanuel Macron has sent a communiqué concerning the Louisiana Purchase.

From Salon Dec. 27, 2024

At the meeting’s end, health ministers from 12 African countries, half of whom attended, issued a communiqué that called for establishing an Africa Taskforce for Mpox Coordination.

From Science Magazine Apr. 19, 2024

Her eyes cast a stern, desperate communiqué to her children.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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