communiqué
Americannoun
noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing communique
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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.
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
Tuesday’s proposal adds details to a brief communiqué China’s top leaders issued last week shortly after wrapping up their biggest political gathering to discuss the five-year policy map.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025
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
Chess Federation sent a communiqué to the Icelandic Chess Federation asking about the disposition of Bobby’s body, presumably wanting to bring him back to the United States, a move that Bobby would have detested.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
