Etymology Map
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Communique

2 stages from French to English.

Today it means an official announcement or statement

Where does the word "communique" come from? It comes from French communiquer, adopted directly into English (1850s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
communiquer
French · medieval
"to communicate"
to share or communicate
2
Stage 2 of 2
communiqué
English · 1850s
"official statement"
made familiar by official war bulletins in the World Wars
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Communique’s story begins in French: communiquer meant “to communicate.” To share or communicate. It reached English by 1850s as communiqué. Made familiar by official war bulletins in the World Wars. Today, communique means an official announcement or statement.