transmittal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Business/Administrative
Quick answer
What does “transmittal” mean?
The act or process of sending something to someone else.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of sending something to someone else.
A document or set of documents, typically a cover letter or memo, that accompanies and formally transmits other documents.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. 'Transmittal' is common in both, though 'covering letter' (UK) / 'cover letter' (US) is a more everyday synonym for the document sense.
Connotations
Highly formal, procedural, and official. Implies a formal record of transfer.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but stable in specific professional domains like law, business, and government on both sides of the Atlantic.
Grammar
How to Use “transmittal” in a Sentence
[the] transmittal of [something] to [someone/somewhere][send/submit/issue] a transmittalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transmittal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to transmit the data securely.
- The report was transmitted to headquarters last week.
American English
- Please transmit the signed copies via overnight mail.
- The agency transmits its findings quarterly.
adverb
British English
- The files were sent transmittably via the secure portal. (Rare/Formed)
- Data flowed transmittably between nodes. (Rare/Formed)
American English
- Information was shared transmittably across departments. (Rare/Formed)
- The signal propagated transmittably. (Rare/Formed)
adjective
British English
- The transmittal mechanism must be inspected annually.
- We encountered a transmittal delay due to the storm.
American English
- Ensure the transmittal fee is included.
- The system's transmittal capacity was upgraded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Please sign the transmittal form before sending the contract package to the client.
Academic
The research grant application required a formal transmittal letter from the university's research office.
Everyday
Rarely used. One might say, 'I'll send you the files,' not 'I'll prepare a transmittal.'
Technical
The software update includes a data transmittal module for secure file transfer between servers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transmittal”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transmittal”
- Using 'transmittal' as a verb (incorrect: 'I will transmittal the file'; correct: 'I will transmit the file' or 'I will send a transmittal').
- Confusing it with 'transmission', which is broader and can refer to radio signals, disease, etc.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Transmission' is broader, referring to the act or process of sending or the thing sent (e.g., radio transmission). 'Transmittal' is more specific, often referring to the formal act of sending documents or the accompanying document itself.
It is highly unlikely and would sound overly formal. In everyday contexts, use simpler words like 'sending', 'cover letter', or 'note'.
The related verb is 'transmit'. 'Transmittal' is primarily a noun.
Yes, its usage and connotations are very similar in both varieties, being formal and business/legal oriented.
The act or process of sending something to someone else.
Transmittal is usually formal, business/administrative in register.
Transmittal: in British English it is pronounced /trænzˈmɪt.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /trænzˈmɪt̬.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MISSILE being sent: TRANS-MITTAL. You TRANSmit it, and the record of sending it is the TRANS-MITTAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
DOCUMENTS ARE VEHICLES / SENDING IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'The transmittal facilitates the document's journey to the committee').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'transmittal' most appropriately used?