linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij 

1

: the manner or style of being united: such as

a

: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule

b

: bond sense 3c

2

: the quality or state of being linked

especially : the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2

3

: a system of links

especially : a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced

4

: link sense 2b

5

: the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

Synonyms of linkage

• relationship
• kinship
• connection
• association
• correlation

Examples of linkage in a Sentence

linkages between population growth and disease

the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies

Recent Examples on the Web

The system processes pilot inputs through computers and transmits electrical signals to flight controls, improving safety, reliability, maneuverability, and reducing aircraft weight by removing mechanical linkages. — Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026

Today’s large language models have no such linkage built into them by people. — Robert Wright, Fortune, 24 June 2026

Studies demonstrated clear genomic linkages between resistance genes circulating in farm animals and those identified in human clinical infections--not a theoretical pathway, but a traceable epidemiologic one. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Honeywell fly-by-wire systems – a system that replaces mechanical flight control linkages with electronic signals – manage the radical aerodynamic changes that transition demands. — Omar Kardoudi june 21, New Atlas, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing linkage

• cross-linkage
• linkage group
• peptide linkage
• sex-linkage

Rhymes for linkage

• shrinkage

Kids Definition

linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij 

1

: the manner or style of being united: as

a

: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule

b

: bond entry 1 sense 2b

2

: the quality or state of being linked

especially : the occurring together of genes on the same chromosome with the result that the traits they control are not inherited independently of each other but tend to be found together

3

: a system of links

especially : a system of links or bars jointed together by means of which lines or curves may be traced

Medical Definition

linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij 

1

: the manner in which atoms or radicals are connected by chemical bonds in a molecule

2

: the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2