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

Armed with cultural relevance, introspective lyricism and genre-defying artistry, this album further cemented his dominance not just in música urbana but in popular culture overall, elevating him to true household-name status. —Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2026

The issue has taken on new political relevance as disaster response and recovery become a point of contrast in what could be one of the most competitive Senate races in the country and most expensive in American history. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026

Given its broad market relevance, the S & P 500 fund has remained among the top securities bought on net each year. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Farnsworth, however, said the coroner’s inquiry should not have any relevance on the decision. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 30 Jan. 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