# communicable

/kəmˈjunəkəbəɫ/ (US) · /kəmjˈuːnɪkəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/communicable
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

describing a disease that can spread from one person to another, usually through touch, air, or food.

For teachers: capable of being transmitted from one person or organism to another, typically through direct or indirect contact. Often used in medical or public health contexts.

## Examples

- The doctor said the flu is a communicable disease.
- Public health officials are working to contain the spread of this communicable illness in the local school system.
- While some infections are easily managed in a clinical setting, others remain highly communicable in crowded urban environments where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.