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

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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

Fiery Aries people tend to run hot (and sometimes hot-headed), so Nicholas recommends anti-inflammatory things (hello, peppermint tea); a prickly-pear hair mask and a handsome comb nod to associations with cacti and the scalp. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, "The Best Beauty Gifts for Your Horoscope-Obsessed Friend by Astrological Sign," 13 Dec. 2018 What's worse, that same recent report from the CDC highlights an association between opioid exposure and pre-term labor, stillbirth, even maternal mortality. . — Hayley Krischer, Marie Claire, "How Heroin Came for Middle-Class Moms," 20 Aug. 2018 Rauner has an association with Pence, the former Indiana governor before being selected by Trump as vice president. — Rick Pearson, chicagotribune.com, "Vice President Pence to speak in Rosemont Friday, when Gov. Rauner will introduce him," 12 July 2018 His associations are idiosyncratic and often arbitrary. — James Taranto, WSJ, "How to Store Data Along Memory Lane," 18 Jan. 2019 Cukor and Fleming likely earned their spots because of their association with Gone with the Wind, while five of the men credited for The Wizard of Oz ranked among the top eight directors. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Complex networks study ranks the most influential films of all time," 3 Dec. 2018 Days after Andrés’s death, Chely alleges that MS-13 announced its intention to end his entire family as punishment for its association with El 18. — Liliana Frankel, Teen Vogue, "A Day in the Life of the Migrant Caravan," 16 Nov. 2018 Over the centuries, each sign has developed its own associations — including myths, animals, and colors — and its own characteristics. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "Each Zodiac Sign's Unique Personality Traits, Explained by an Astrologer," 28 Oct. 2018 That strategic business decision, along with her 13-year association with the firm, resulted in Swartz being named a partner in the firm in June 2017, to the delight of the entire design industry. — Steven Stolman, ELLE Decor, "How Elizabeth Swartz Rose From Intern to Partner at Bunny Williams," 14 Aug. 2018

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.