association

noun

as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən 

-shē-

1

a

: the act of associating

b

: the state of being associated : combination, relationship

had a long association with the firm

2

: an organization of persons having a common interest : society

an alumni association

3

: something linked in memory or imagination with a thing or person

His former school has only negative associations for him.

4

: the process of forming mental connections or bonds between sensations, ideas, or memories

5

: the aggregation of chemical species (see species entry 1 sense 1e) to form (as with hydrogen bonds) loosely bound complexes (see complex entry 1 sense 3)

6

: a major unit in ecological community organization characterized by essential uniformity and usually by two or more dominant species

associational

ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shē-

adjective

Synonyms of association

• partnership
• collaboration
• relationship
• affiliation
• cooperation
• connection

Examples of association in a Sentence

an association of local business leaders

They denied having any association with terrorists.

They have a long association with the school and have donated millions of dollars to it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some people get hot by association. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 28 Nov. 2025

Positive behavior should always be rewarded as this will help to create good associations and show both dogs what is deemed acceptable. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Homeowners associations frequently have their own rules regarding holiday decorations, which can result in fines if not followed. —Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 28 Nov. 2025

While some studies have suggested an association between men with lower testosterone and dementia, much more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be made. —Akshay Syal, NBC news, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see associate entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing association

• association area
• association football
• free association
• in association with
• inter-association
• parent-teacher association
• savings and loan association
• word-association test

Rhymes for association

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

association

noun

as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən 

-ˌsō-shē-

1

: the act of associating : the state of being associated

2

: an organization of persons having a common interest

an athletic association

3

: a feeling, memory, or thought connected with a person, place, or thing

pleasant associations with the beach

4

: the formation of loosely bound groups of ions or molecules

Medical Definition

association

noun

as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən, -shē- 

1

: the act of associating

2

: something linked in memory or imagination with a thing or person

3

: the process of forming mental connections or bonds between sensations, ideas, or memories

4

: the aggregation of chemical species to form (as with hydrogen bonds) loosely bound chemical complexes compare polymerization sense 1

associational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

Legal Definition

association

noun

as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion

1

: a group of persons who share common interests or a common purpose and who are organized with varying degrees of formality compare corporation

2

: the act of having contact or communication with or keeping company with another

freedom of association

3

: the sharing (as by an aider and abettor) in the criminal intent of a person who commits a crime