link

1 of 4

noun (1)

1
: a connecting structure: such as
a(1)
: a single ring or division of a chain
(2)
: one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length
b
d
: an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
especially : a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end
e
: the fusible member of an electrical fuse
2
: something analogous to a link of chain: such as
a
: a segment of sausage in a chain
b
: a connecting element or factor
found a link between smoking and cancer
c
: a unit in a communication system
d
: an identifier attached to an element in a system (such as an index term in a database) in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements
especially : one (such as a hyperlink) in a computer file

link

2 of 4

verb (1)

linked; linking; links

transitive verb

: to couple or connect by or as if by a link

intransitive verb

: to become connected by or as if by a link
often used with up
the band linked up with a new record label
linker noun

link

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets

link

4 of 4

verb (2)

linked; linking; links

intransitive verb

Scotland
: to skip smartly along
Choose the Right Synonym for link

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union.

join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

Examples of link in a Sentence

Noun (1) I like to put maple syrup on my breakfast links those old love letters were her only remaining link with her late grandparents Verb (1) she linked the flowers together to form a long chain since childhood I have always linked trips to the beach with the discomforts of sunburn and sand in my clothes
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Find the exclusive website address printed there with page info for access to the new bonus chapter, as well as other helpful links related to the book. Jamie Gold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024 The demonstrations come amid growing anti-war protests and as students nationwide form encampments on college campuses to call for their universities to divest from companies with links to Israel. Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 4 May 2024 Many protester demands have zeroed in on links to the Israeli military as the war grinds on in Gaza. CBS News, 4 May 2024 Women who take drugs during pregnancy have been charged with child abuse or neglect, including in cases in which the drugs were legal; women who have miscarried after taking drugs have been charged with manslaughter, even homicide, even when no causal link was proved. Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 4 May 2024 Patrons are formal supporters whose link acknowledges the organization’s achievements and helps increase public awareness of their work, while presidents may take on more direct engagement. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024 An expert panel convened by the National Academies concluded in April that for the vast majority of side effects, there was not enough data to accept or reject a link. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 3 May 2024 Yeah, thank you, Chris. Klimek: To read more of Smithsonian magazine’s coverage of the Vesuvius Challenge, check out the links in our show notes. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2024 The 55-piece collection also includes mixed-metal accessories, such as chunky chain necklaces, link bracelets, chain earrings and belts; oversized and mini tote bags in natural woven fibers and silk; and leather heels and sandals in black and brown. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024
Verb
Advertisement Some critics linked Southers’ academic research on homegrown extremism to the aggressive clearing of the campus encampments. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2024 Some studies have also linked the infection to mental-health issues, although Harris says that science is less settled. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 8 May 2024 While some depressive episodes are linked to environmental factors — such as burnout and work, or SAD and seasonal changes — they may also be linked to hormones, genetics, and brain chemistry. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 May 2024 Other genetic cases are linked to Down syndrome—about half of people with Down syndrome in their 60s have Alzheimer’s. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2024 Many of the following jobs have specific requirements — which are linked below. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 7 May 2024 The duo first sparked dating rumors back in September 2023, a few months after David had announced his split from his long-term girlfriend Giorgia Soleri. Cameron, meanwhile, was previously linked to her Descendants costar Thomas Doherty. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 7 May 2024 An international agreement later allowed U.S. officials to recover the remains of about 3,000 Americans who had been killed in Korea, but none could be definitively linked back to Spruell. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 6 May 2024 Culture and entertainment are inextricably linked and LVMH has been building culture for decades. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'link.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hlekkr chain; akin to Old English hlanc lank

Noun (2)

perhaps modification of Medieval Latin linchinus candle, alteration of Latin lychnus, from Greek lychnos; akin to Greek leukos white — more at light

Verb (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1526, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of link was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near link

Cite this Entry

“Link.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/link. Accessed 10 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

link

1 of 2 verb
: to join by or as if by a link
linker noun

link

2 of 2 noun
1
: a connecting structure: as
a
: a single ring of a chain
b
d
: an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
2
: something resembling a link of chain: as
a
: a piece of sausage in a series of connected pieces
b
: a connecting element or factor
found a link between smoking and cancer
c

More from Merriam-Webster on link

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