What is bulletin? Pronunciation and usage in English

bulletin means . Learn how to pronounce and use bulletin through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bulletin

bulletinnoun

/ˈbʊlətɪn//ˈbʊlətɪn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bulletin." It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's a breakdown:

  • First Syllable ("Bul"): Pronounced like "bool" – similar to the word "bowl" but with a shorter "oo" sound. Think of it as a quick, sharp "bool."

  • Second Syllable ("-letin"): This is where it gets tricky. It's NOT pronounced like "let-in." Instead, it's pronounced more like "leen" – similar to the word "lean." The "t" is silent.

Putting it together: Bool-leen

Tips for getting it right:

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  • Give you more examples of words with similar pronunciations?
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Usage and examples with the word bulletin in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bulletin" in English. It has a few different meanings and uses, so it's important to understand the context.

1. As a Notice or Announcement (Most Common Usage)

  • Definition: A bulletin is usually a printed or displayed notice or announcement, often posted in a public place. Think of it like a small, official announcement.
  • Examples:
    • "Please check the bulletin board for the latest school events." (Referring to a physical board)
    • "The company posted a bulletin about a change in office hours." (Referring to a notice)
    • "There was a bulletin on the community notice board about a lost dog."
    • "I saw a bulletin taped to the door about a meeting."

2. A Collection of Information (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Definition: Less frequently, "bulletin" refers to a collection of related announcements, news items, or documents – often published regularly. This is more common in formal settings.
  • Examples:
    • "The department issued a bulletin summarizing the year's progress." (A report or summary)
    • "The military uses bulletins to communicate important orders to troops." (A formal communication)
    • "Educational institutions often create bulletins detailing scholarships and financial aid."

3. (Historical/Obsolete) A type of printing

  • Definition: Historically, "bulletin" referred to a specific style of printing, typically with a simple, bold typeface and a distinctive border. This usage is very rare now.

Key Points & Tips:

  • Context is key: The most common meaning is as a notice or announcement, usually displayed somewhere.
  • Synonyms: Words like “notice,” “announcement,” “posting,” “circular,” or “memo” are often interchangeable with “bulletin” (especially in the notice context).
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Bulletin” is more formal than words like “notice” or “sign.”

Let’s look at some sentences to illustrate the different ways to use it:

  • Informal: "Hey, check the bulletin board by the entrance for the flyer about the concert."
  • Formal: “The university circulated a bulletin regarding the updated grading policy.”
  • Referring to a physical board: “There’s a bulletin with lost and found items near the cafeteria.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "bulletin"? (e.g., school, workplace, community, etc.)

Synonyms for the word bulletin

Idioms of the word bulletin

the operative word
used to emphasize that a particular word or phrase is the most important one in a sentence
  • I was in love with her—‘was’ being the operative word.
  • He seemed nice. But ‘seemed’ was the operative word.

Practice with vocabulary bulletin

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university's admissions office issued a public ______ detailing the updated application deadlines and requirements.
  2. Before the meeting, participants received a detailed ______ outlining the key discussion points and objectives.
  3. The daily weather ______ provides crucial updates on local conditions and any severe weather warnings.
  4. Subscribers receive a weekly ______ that includes articles, upcoming events, and special offers from the organization.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question.)

  1. Which of the following best describes a concise, official public announcement providing updates or important news? A. Thesis B. Bulletin C. Novella D. Dissertation

  2. What kind of communication might an organization issue to inform its members or the public about a significant development or new policy? A. Bulletin B. Press release C. Memorandum D. Biography

  3. The board displayed a weather ______ to inform all personnel about the incoming storm. A. forecast B. bulletin C. novel D. report

  4. Which terms refer to a written record of events, usually kept for future reference? A. Log B. Manifesto C. Dissertation D. Journal

  5. The company issued a formal ______ to all employees outlining the new health and safety regulations. A. fable B. policy document C. poem D. novella

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The school sends out a brief update every Friday regarding student achievements and important dates. Rewrite, using "bulletin":

  2. An official announcement was circulated to all staff about the revised remote work policy. Rewrite, using "bulletin":

  3. The project manager distributed an internal memo detailing the responsibilities for the next phase. Rewrite, without using "bulletin":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. bulletin
  2. memo
  3. bulletin
  4. newsletter

Exercise 2:

  1. B. Bulletin
  2. A. Bulletin, B. Press release
  3. B. bulletin
  4. A. Log, D. Journal
  5. B. policy document

Exercise 3:

  1. The school issues a weekly bulletin regarding student achievements and important dates.
  2. A bulletin was circulated to all staff about the revised remote work policy.
  3. The project manager distributed an internal notice detailing the responsibilities for the next phase.

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