relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s How to pronounce relevance (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What distinguishes valuable insight is not its novelty of origin, but its clarity, coherence and relevance. Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 Her analysis demonstrates Douglass’s historical foresight, reinforcing his ongoing relevance. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025 Trump could be referring to wholesale gas prices but such price levels hold little relevance since they are not paid by consumers, de Haan said. Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 July 2025 Deliver value, be on time, project energy, share relevance and know your value proposition well. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevance

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of relevance was in 1787

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relevance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relevance. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

relevance

noun
rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s How to pronounce relevance (audio)
: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun
rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns How to pronounce relevance (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on relevance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!