捷报 (jié bào) literally combines 捷 (jié), meaning 'victory', 'success', or 'swift triumph', and 报 (bào), meaning 'report' or 'bulletin'. Together, it means 'victory bulletin' — a formal, often celebratory announcement of a successful outcome, especially in military, competitive, or major public contexts. Historically used for battlefield news, it’s now also applied metaphorically to achievements in sports, science, business, or education.

The term carries a strong positive, triumphant connotation and is frequently seen in headlines, official announcements, or ceremonial speeches. It’s more literary and elevated than everyday words like 消息 (xiāo xī, 'news') or 通知 (tōng zhī, 'notice'), and rarely appears in casual conversation. While it can refer to any decisive success, it implies not just winning but doing so with distinction, speed, or significance — evoking pride, relief, or national or collective joy.