relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms of relevance

• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Meredith’s counsel, Darren Heitner, argued the questions were of little to no relevance to whether his client transferred for athletic purposes. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

As Republicans battled for relevance in the shadow of Watergate in the mid-1970s, Latvala’s political career started modestly. — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Founders can thrive after transition by recognizing that stepping away from a business is not the loss of relevance. — Robert Balentine, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

On which basis, you could usually be tempted to question their relevance and function in a world beset by challenges. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for relevance

• irrelevance

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted