association

noun

as·so·ci·a·tion | \ ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən

, -shē-\

Definition of association

1a : 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

Other Words from association Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about association

Keep scrolling for more

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

In addition, the forum will host eight keynote addresses, discussion with leaders of national petroleum and chemical trade associations and feature special events. — From News Reports, Houston Chronicle, "Industry forum to explore regional growth, challenges," 4 Sep. 2019 Some of the most active memorial associations could be found in Los Angeles County, which remained a haven for Confederate sympathizers in the decades after the war. — Kevin Waite, The New Republic, "California’s Forgotten Confederate History," 19 Aug. 2019 To that point, USWNT and USMNT are members of different players’ associations. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Why Mediation Was Unlikely to Work Now and What Comes Next for USWNT, U.S. Soccer," 15 Aug. 2019 The rest of the membership is composed of serving judges, representatives of bar associations and the rector of a university. — The Economist, "Letting academics pick magistrates has not worked in Guatemala," 25 July 2019 Human flourishing is inextricably connected to an ecosystem of rich civil associations. — Nate Hochman, National Review, "A Big-Government Nationalism, or a Burkean One?," 25 July 2019 Growth Energy, one of the country's largest ethanol associations, is launching a 30-second television ad in Wisconsin and other states urging Trump to uphold ethanol mandates requiring oil refineries to mix ethanol into gasoline. — Lawrence Andrea, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin in the middle of battle between ethanol producers and oil companies ahead of 2020," 23 July 2019 The association’s members own, operate, charter, or load cargo onto commercial ships that are longer than 250 feet, according to the suit. — oregonlive, "Owners of oceangoing commercial ships sue Port of Astoria, arguing that $300 transit fee is unconstitutional," 14 Sep. 2019 For their part, Garcia said Annunciation House would not apply for reimbursement, in order to avoid the taint of association with the federal government. — Aaron Cantú, The New Republic, "Inside Trump’s Border Chaos," 12 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'association.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.