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

The film follows a likeable gym coach who has convinced himself that his identity as a toxic podcaster is his only route to cultural relevance – until someone walks in as a new client and stays as a love interest. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Investment should move toward offerings with strong customer relevance, differentiated capabilities and attractive unit economics. — Basant Singh, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The purpose here is not to re-litigate the past, but to observe its ongoing relevance. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

The image was inescapable throughout the 2010s, and since then has maintained its relevance across Twitter and Reddit. — Owen Carry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 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