correlation
noun
cor·re·la·tion
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən 
ˌkär-
1
: the state or relation of being correlated
specifically
: a relation existing between phenomena or things or between mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone
… the obviously high positive correlation between scholastic aptitude and college entrance … —
James B. Conant
James B. Conant 2
: the act of correlating
Examples of correlation in a Sentence
the correlation of brain size and intelligence
Researchers have found a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer.
She says that there's no correlation between being thin and being happy.
Recent Examples on the Web
That title is reserved for New Jersey, though the study reveals little correlation between proximity to water and a higher swimming proficiency.
—Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 6 June 2024
Research on people with schizophrenia showed a correlation between poor prospective memory and lack of adherence to their medication regimen.
—Sarah Raskin, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024
For one thing, most are simply showing a correlation between exercise times and health benefits, not identifying them as the cause.
—Alexander Nazaryan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2024
Roberts believes there is a correlation between that injury and Ohtani’s recent struggles.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation 
Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 6 June 2024
Research on people with schizophrenia showed a correlation between poor prospective memory and lack of adherence to their medication regimen.
—Sarah Raskin, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024
For one thing, most are simply showing a correlation between exercise times and health benefits, not identifying them as the cause.
—Alexander Nazaryan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2024
Roberts believes there is a correlation between that injury and Ohtani’s recent struggles.
—Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'correlation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
correlation
noun
cor·re·la·tion
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən
ˌkär-
1
: the act or process of correlating
2
: the state of being correlated
especially
: a mutual relation discovered to exist between things
the correlation between smoking and lung cancer
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