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 … —
J. B. Conant
J. 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
Our research shows a strong correlation between the creation of data center hubs and strong local economies.
—Mehdi Paryavi, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
Researchers did not find a correlation between salary and morale, Kurtz said.
—Diana Lambert, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Decades of research show strong correlations between the abuse of animals and various forms of interpersonal violence.
—Wendy Keefover, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
When turmoil and uncertainty shake the economy, gold prices tend to spike — after all, gold is a store of value that has little correlation to stocks and bonds.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Mehdi Paryavi, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026
Researchers did not find a correlation between salary and morale, Kurtz said.
—Diana Lambert, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Decades of research show strong correlations between the abuse of animals and various forms of interpersonal violence.
—Wendy Keefover, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
When turmoil and uncertainty shake the economy, gold prices tend to spike — after all, gold is a store of value that has little correlation to stocks and bonds.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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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