bulletin
BUUL-ih-tihn
Bulletin (noun) means a short official announcement or news report, especially one broadcast quickly. Example: “The radio interrupted the music with a bulletin about road closures.”
noun
1
A short official announcement or news report, especially one broadcast quickly.
"The radio interrupted the music with a bulletin about road closures."
"A news bulletin interrupted the programme to report the storm."
"The hospital issued a bulletin on the patient's condition."
2
A short regular publication issued by an organisation.
"Our school bulletin lists upcoming events and the weekly lunch menu."
"The charity's weekly bulletin keeps volunteers informed about new projects."
"The club sends out a monthly bulletin to all members."
How to use bulletin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, often urgent, news report or an organisation's regular newsletter.
Common pairings
news bulletin
weather bulletin
issue a bulletin
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Word forms
- Plural
- bulletins
- Third person singular
- bulletins
- Past tense
- bulletined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The radio interrupted the music with a _____ about road closures.
Etymology
Borrowed from French bulletin, ultimately built from bull ("ball," as in a wax seal) plus diminutive endings.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bulletin
See all rhymes for bulletin →Frequently asked questions
What does “bulletin” mean?
The word “bulletin” means a short official announcement or news report, especially one broadcast quickly. In plain terms, a short, often urgent, news report or an organisation's regular newsletter.
How do you pronounce “bulletin”?
“Bulletin” is pronounced BUUL-ih-tihn (/ˈbʊl.ə.tən/ in IPA).
How do you use “bulletin” in a sentence?
Here is “bulletin” used in a sentence: “A news bulletin interrupted the programme to report the storm.”
What part of speech is “bulletin”?
“Bulletin” is a noun.
Where does the word “bulletin” come from?
The word “bulletin” comes from French. Borrowed from French bulletin, ultimately built from bull ("ball," as in a wax seal) plus diminutive endings.
Is “bulletin” a common word?
“Bulletin” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bulletin” have?
“Bulletin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short official announcement or news report, especially one broadcast quickly.
What is the difference between a bulletin and a newsletter?
A bulletin is typically a short official announcement or news report meant to be delivered quickly, such as a news bulletin on radio or television, while a newsletter is a more detailed, regularly issued publication. A bulletin prioritizes speed and brevity; a newsletter prioritizes depth and regularity.
When is "bulletin" used for a broadcast versus a printed publication?
"Bulletin" describes a broadcast when it refers to a short, urgent news report interrupting or updating regular programming, such as a breaking news bulletin. It describes a printed publication when it refers to a short regular update issued by an organization, such as a church bulletin or company bulletin.
Is "bulletin" a formal or informal word?
"Bulletin" is a fairly neutral, formal-leaning term commonly used in official, organizational, or journalistic contexts. It suits news broadcasts, institutional updates, and official announcements rather than casual conversation.
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