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
At the meeting’s end, health ministers from 12 African countries, half of whom attended, issued a communiqué that called for establishing an Africa Taskforce for Mpox Coordination.
From Science Magazine • Apr. 19, 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.
