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communiqué

American  
[kuh-myoo-ni-key, kuh-myoo-ni-key] / kəˌmyu nɪˈkeɪ, kəˈmyu 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.

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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.

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

In August 2025, train drivers' union Semaf issued a communiqué warning that the state of a number of AVE lines was causing "a lack of comfort and reliability" for those travelling.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2024

In a joint statement, or communiqué, released on Saturday, policymakers said they would stay united on both fronts as geopolitical crises and trade tensions have emerged as the biggest threats to the global economy.

From New York Times • May 25, 2024

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

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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