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 red carpet is a global marketplace, a communications platform where brands compete for visibility, cultural relevance and a share of the conversation. — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

No other office awaits him, and his relevance at the state level dwindles by the day. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

In Uruguay, Latin America’s most secular country, Leo is expected to make the case for Catholicism’s relevance and recall its role in the nation’s history. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

In today’s environment, excessive ads, emails and retargeting can feel intrusive, so relevance, timing and trust matter more than simply increasing frequency. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 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