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communication

noun

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

Definition of communication

1a : 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

2a : 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

Other Words from communication Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing communication Learn More About communication

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Now owned by Mike Parrish, this shelter was built in 1952 to keep 600 civil and military personnel safe, in control, and in communication if the Soviets attacked. — CBS News, 18 Sep. 2022 In the intervening months, the two had been in constant communication. — CNN, 15 Sep. 2022 Scientists agree that the mind and the gut — which spans from your mouth to the end of your digestive tract — are in constant communication. — Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022 But always been a hierarchy for how things go between a quarterback and a center in communication. — Stephen Means, cleveland, 9 Sep. 2022 Hagemann has a master's in science communication and a background in earth science, most recently earning her wildland firefighter certification. — Dominic Fracassa, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Sep. 2022 Lumumba told constituents Thursday that local, state and federal authorities are in constant communication, in their joint efforts to get safe water flowing in Jackson. — Morgan Chesky, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2022 About the same time, Ukraine’s security agencies picked up indications that FSB operatives were in direct communication with Russia’s airborne forces, officials said. — Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2022 About the same time, Ukraine’s security agencies picked up indications that FSB operatives were in direct communication with Russia’s airborne forces, officials said. — Greg Miller And Catherine Belton, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'communication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Entries Near communication

communicate

communication

communication engineering

Statistics for communication

Last Updated

21 Sep 2022

Cite this Entry

“Communication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication. Accessed 27 Sep. 2022.

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More Definitions for communication

communication

noun

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

Kids Definition of communication

1 : the exchange (as by speech or letter) of information between persons

2 : information exchanged

3 communications plural : a system of sending information

4 communications plural : a system of routes for transportation

communication

noun

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

Medical Definition of communication

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

communication

noun

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

Legal Definition of communication

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