communication

noun

com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior

the function of pheromones in insect communication

also : exchange of information

b

: personal rapport

a lack of communication between old and young persons

2

a

: information communicated : information transmitted or conveyed

b

: a verbal or written message

The captain received an important communication.

3

communications plural

a

: a system (as of telephones or computers) for transmitting or exchanging information

wireless electronic communications

b

: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles

c

: personnel engaged in communicating : personnel engaged in transmitting or exchanging information

4

communications plural in form but singular or plural in construction

a

: a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech)

b

: the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or telecommunication)

5

: an act or instance of transmitting

the communication of disease

6

anatomy : a connection between bodily parts

Surprisingly little is known about the communication between the alveolar and terminal bronchiolar surfaces …

—Richard C. Boucher

communicational

kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• dispatch
• message

Examples of communication in a Sentence

Communication between children in the class was not prohibited but was afforded time slots … —Jonathan Kozol, Harper's, September 2005

It's not an oral communication. It's body language, eye contact, the grinning, the little signals that go on between people. —Keith Richards, quoted in Rolling Stone, 14-28 July 1994

If the book is good and even if one is reading to oneself, what is happening is a very special sort of social event, a communication between writer and reader … —Walker Percy, "Another Message In The Bottle," in Signposts in a Strange Land,  1991

This is a secret and confidential communication which I am trusting you to answer on the sly. —Alexander Woollcott, letter, 20 Oct. 1934

Whom else had she to open her heart to? If she did not need counsel, she must need the comfort of communication. —Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814

You don't talk to him, he talks at you. You scream and shout at each other, but there's no communication. —Zadie Smith, White Teeth

He is studying insect communication.

There was a breakdown in communication between members of the group.

television and other means of mass communication

Communications is a growing industry.

He majored in communications in college.

Recent Examples on the Web

In a letter to Liverpool’s managing director, Andy Hughes, SOS called for a reduction in ticket prices, more communication between the club and its fans, and greater acknowledgement of the importance of supporter culture to the club’s identity. —James Nalton, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

In the Black quilting community, Underground Railroad quilts are extremely significant as, historically, they are tied to codes/means of communication. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025

The captains come out for the pre-game coin-toss and aid with communication among the team. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Jan. 2025

Not only did the probe's thrusters go wonky because of decades of gunk building up in the pipes, but the onboard computer had a fit, cutting off communication with Earth. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see communicate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing communication

• in communication
• near field communication

Kids Definition

communication

noun

com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an act or instance of transmitting

2

: information communicated : message

received an important communication

3

: an exchange of information

4

plural

a

: a system (as of telephones) for sending and receiving messages

b

: a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles

Medical Definition

communication

noun

com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of transmitting information (as about ideas, attitudes, emotions, or objective behavior)

nonverbal interpersonal communication

emotional communication between parent and child

—G. S. Blum

: as

a

: exchange of information between individuals through a common system of signs, symbols, or behavior

pictorial representation is a usable channel of communication between humans and the chimpanzee

the function of pheromones in insect communication

b

: personal rapport

a lack of communication between young and old persons

2

: information communicated

3

: a connection between bodily parts

an artificial communication between the esophagus and the stomach

Legal Definition

communication

noun

com·​mu·​ni·​ca·​tion kə-ˌmyü-nə-ˈkā-shən 

: the expression to another of information or thoughts through speech, writing, or gestures see also confidential communication, privileged communication