Laudatory words overdue to be uttered (3)
I believe the answer is:
ode
'laudatory words' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'overdue to be uttered' is the wordplay.
'overdue' becomes 'owed' (similar in meaning).
'to be uttered' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'owed' sounds like 'ODE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ode that I've seen before include "Lyric poem" , "Literary work" , "Verse form" , "poetry" , "(Railway)system" .)