communication

noun

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

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 Land1991
This is a secret and confidential communication which I am trusting you to answer on the sly. Alexander Woollcott, letter, 20 Oct. 1934
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some close to the palace have downplayed the long-term effects of the meeting, framing it as a professional exchange between communications staff who simply need to understand one another. Stephanie Petit, People.com, 15 July 2025 Malik served as a communications, outreach, policy, and constituent services intern at Mamdani's state Assembly office during the summer of 2024. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2025 Her experience reflects an agency with spotty internal communication. Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025 For those working to save Priya, that meant navigating complex communication channels and facing additional hurdles in seeking help, legal aid, or protection while stranded in a nation still wracked by conflict and instability. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for communication

Word History

Etymology

see communicate

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of communication was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Communication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

communication

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

More from Merriam-Webster on communication

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