combination

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

often attributive

1

a

: a result or product of combining

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

especially : an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end

b

: two or more persons working as a team

Together they are a winning combination.

2

: an ordered sequence: such as

a

: a sequence of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock

What is the combination to the safe?

also : the mechanism operating or moved by the sequence

b

: a rapid sequence of punches in boxing

c

: any subset of a set considered without regard to order within the subset

3

: any of various one-piece undergarments for the upper and lower parts of the body

—usually used in plural

wore combinations in the winter to keep warm

4

: an instrument designed to perform two or more tasks

The tool is a jackknife and bottle opener combination.

5

a

: the act or process of combining

especially : that of uniting to form a chemical compound

The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.

b

: the quality or state of being combined

combinational

ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• admixture
• alloy
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• blend
• cocktail
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• fusion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture
• synthesis

Examples of combination in a Sentence

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

The car's interior is available in various color combinations.

A combination of factors led to her decision.

The milkshakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, or any combination of these.

He has the right combination of talent and experience.

The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.

What is the combination to the safe?

Recent Examples on the Web

Thai Food Thai cuisine differs greatly by region, but one commonality is a combination of spice, fresh green herbs, and a touch of acidity. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024

The team that has that combination wins the lottery. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2024

The exact causes have not been defined but are thought to be a combination of factors. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2024

Our tester liked that their combination skin looked radiant without appearing greasy, and the color kept its shade even after hours of wear, settling into the skin without oxidizing or accentuating uneven texture. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

From striking color combinations to modern silhouettes, each pair is a statement piece that elevates your on-course look. —Katie Ann Lehman, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

The combination of drugs (chemotherapy regimen): Receiving a combination of drugs increases the risk. —Doru Paul, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2024

Make your own or choose from a menu of signature combinations. —Jennifer Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024

But if our prediction for the support of Candidate X in State Y on Day Z depends on the average for that X-Y-Z combination, that brings up the question of how exactly the national and state averages are being calculated. —G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see combine entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing combination

• combination lock
• combination shot
• combination therapy
• in combination
• in combination with
• linear combination
• winning combination

Kids Definition

combination

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a result or product of combining

especially : a number of persons or groups joined together to achieve some end

2

a

: a connected series of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock

b

: any of the possible subsets of a set without regard to the order of their elements

3

: the act or process of combining

especially : that of uniting to form a chemical compound

Legal Definition

combination

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tion

1

a

: an alliance of individuals, states, or especially corporations united to achieve a common (as economic) end see also combination in restraint of trade compare joint venture sense 1, merger

b

: conspiracy

2

: a union of old or new elements or parts that is patentable because it produces a new and useful result compare aggregation sense 2, equivalent