association

noun

as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce association (audio)
-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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In town halls and in conversations with community associations across Maryland over the past two years, citizens have expressed concern with the state of our juvenile justice system. Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025 After speaking to my physician colleagues and hearing their earnest frustrations, there’s no doubt in my mind that the system needs reform and the association’s proposals—which are not insubstantial and would address many of the problems —are a great place to start. Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Shelton was honored at the association's convention which ran from June 23 through June 25 and featured a slew of keynote speakers, a ball and more at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Lena Miano, Arkansas Online, 30 June 2025 But Paul Clement, who served as solicitor general under former President George W. Bush − a Republican − represented a trade association for the telecommunications industry defending the program. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for association

Word History

Etymology

see associate entry 1

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of association was in 1535

Cite this Entry

“Association.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/association. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

association

noun
as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce association (audio)
-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- How to pronounce association (audio)
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on association

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!