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

The group struggled to find relevance in the aftermath of Kath’s death, largely thanks to shifting musical tastes. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 17 June 2026

The panel will examine how leading brands are leveraging entertainment, strategic partnerships and cultural relevance to deepen consumer engagement and strengthen audience connections. —William Earl, Variety, 17 June 2026

Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell spent the playoffs reminding the league smaller guards can still drive relevance, create memories and power high-level offense. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 17 June 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