The simplest communication definition is the act of sharing information, ideas or feelings so that someone else understands them. It covers talking, writing, gestures, facial expressions, pictures and signals sent through phones and networks.
The key word is understands. If you speak and nobody grasps your point, a message was sent but communication did not fully happen. So the word travels together so closely with listening, clarity and context.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Sharing information or feelings so they are understoodPart of speech
Noun (uncountable; countable for a single message)Pronunciation
kuh-myoo-ni-KAY-shuhnWord forms
communicate, communicative, communicator, communicationsOrigin
Latin communicare, to share or make commonCommon pairings
clear, effective, poor, two-way, open communicationRegister
Neutral; used everywhere from school to engineering
What does communication mean? Three senses
- The process of sharing meaning. "Good communication keeps a team on track." This is the general, uncountable sense.
- A single message, formal. "We received a communication from the tax office." Here it is countable, like a letter or notice.
- Communications, plural: systems and industries. Phone lines, radio, the internet, and the public relations work of an organisation: "She works in communications at a hospital."
When people ask for the communication meaning in English, they usually mean the first sense, the everyday skill.
How the process works
Teachers often break any exchange into five parts:
| Part | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender | Has an idea to share | A manager |
| Message | The idea put into words, images or signs | "The meeting moves to 3 pm" |
| Channel | How it travels | Email, a call, a notice board |
| Receiver | Takes the message in and interprets it | The team |
| Feedback | A reply showing it was understood | "Got it, see you then" |
Anything that blocks understanding, from a noisy room to a confusing word, is called noise or a barrier.
Types of communication
- Verbal: spoken words, face to face or by phone.
- Written: letters, texts, reports, signs.
- Nonverbal: body language, tone of voice, eye contact, posture. A sigh can say more than a sentence.
- Visual: charts, maps, icons and photos.
- Sign languages: complete languages with their own grammar, used by many Deaf communities.
Scientists also study communication among animals, such as bee dances or whale songs, and between machines.
Communication definition in sentences
- Poor communication between the two departments led to the same order being placed twice.
- Grandpa's hearing aid has made communication at dinner much easier.
- The school sends weekly communications to parents by email.
- After the storm, all communications were down for two days.
- Their friendship survived the move because they kept the lines of communication open.
Why it is called a skill
Job adverts in India, the US and elsewhere ask for "good communication skills". They usually mean writing clearly, speaking with confidence, listening well and adjusting your message to your audience. Building rapport and showing empathy are part of it, because people take in a message more easily from someone they trust.
Common mistakes
- Use communication (no s) for the general skill: "Her communication is excellent," not "her communications is excellent".
- Use communications for systems, a job field or several formal messages.
- Say "communicate with someone", not "communicate to someone", when you mean a two-way exchange. "Communicate something to someone" is fine for passing on news.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of communication in simple words?
It means sharing ideas, facts or feelings with someone so they understand you. It can happen through speech, writing, signs or body language.
Which kinds of communication do textbooks list?
Verbal, written, nonverbal and visual are the four most often listed. Many lists also add listening, since understanding the other side is half of any exchange.
Is communication countable?
Mostly no. When you mean the skill or process, treat it as uncountable. It becomes countable when you mean a single formal message, as in "two communications from the bank".
What is effective communication?
It is communication where the receiver understands the message the way the sender intended, ideally with little confusion and some feedback to confirm it.
How do you pronounce communication?
Say kuh-myoo-ni-KAY-shuhn, five syllables with the main stress on KAY.
What is the difference between communication and conversation?
A conversation is one kind of communication: people talking back and forth. Communication is the wider term and includes a road sign, a text or a smile.