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

Prospective customers can help test awareness and the relevance of its positioning in new markets. — James Fratzke, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

The flagship app is now associated with older users, while TikTok and Instagram have eclipsed it in relevance among youth. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Our regional partners are extending the film’s visibility, relevance and release life. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

More crucially, the anniversary brings what feels like a prophetic album back into view at a moment of unnerving relevance. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 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