communications satellite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical, Business, Academic
Quick answer
What does “communications satellite” mean?
An artificial satellite placed in orbit around the Earth that relays and amplifies radio, television, telephone, and internet signals between ground stations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An artificial satellite placed in orbit around the Earth that relays and amplifies radio, television, telephone, and internet signals between ground stations.
A complex space-based system enabling long-distance, high-speed transmission of data, voice, and video across global networks; often part of a larger satellite communications (satcom) industry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'satellite' vs. 'satellite'). The acronym 'comsat' is recognised in both.
Connotations
Neutral, technical. Associated with globalisation, connectivity, and modern infrastructure.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical, news, and business contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “communications satellite” in a Sentence
The [noun] [verb] via a communications satellite.A communications satellite [verb] [noun].[Noun] is transmitted by communications satellite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communications satellite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme will be beamed via communications satellite.
- They communicate by satellite.
American English
- The data was routed through a communications satellite.
- We satellite the broadcast to affiliates.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The communications-satellite industry is growing.
- We reviewed the communications-satellite proposal.
American English
- The communications satellite network is robust.
- A communications satellite launch is scheduled.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for discussing global telecoms infrastructure, mergers, and service provision.
Academic
Used in engineering, physics, and telecommunications papers discussing orbital mechanics, signal propagation, and network design.
Everyday
Appears in news reports about launches, technology, or disruptions to TV/internet services.
Technical
Precise term for the hardware and its role in the signal chain within satellite communication systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communications satellite”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “communications satellite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communications satellite”
- Using singular 'communication satellite' (less common). Confusing it with other satellite types (e.g., weather, spy). Incorrect pluralisation: 'communications satellites' is correct for multiple.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a specific type designed for telecommunications. Other types include navigation, weather, and reconnaissance satellites.
The plural 'communications' refers to the field or industry of communication (like 'communications technology'). It's a standard compound noun.
It varies. Many are in geostationary orbit (~35,786 km), while newer constellations (like Starlink) are in low Earth orbit (~550 km).
Yes, many provide broadband internet services, especially in remote areas without cable or fibre infrastructure.
An artificial satellite placed in orbit around the Earth that relays and amplifies radio, television, telephone, and internet signals between ground stations.
Communications satellite is usually formal, technical, business, academic in register.
Communications satellite: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃənz ˈsætəlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃənz ˈsætəlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'COMMunity' in the sky (SAT) that 'communicates' (COMMUNICATIONS) by passing messages (signals) around the world.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HIGH-FLYING POST OFFICE / A MIRROR IN THE SKY (reflecting signals back to Earth).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a communications satellite?