association

noun

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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

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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 That’s about a 3% decrease from last year, the association says. — cleveland, "July 4 road trip? Travel safely with these expert tips in the age of coronavirus," 1 July 2020 Before joining the association, Parker was president of the Aluminum Association and an executive at the Edison Electric Institute. — Rachel Chason, Washington Post, "Dave Parker made his career in the nation’s capital. His passion was the nation’s parks.," 1 July 2020 For information on the association, visit www.dallasbuilders.com. — Dallas News, "Canterbury Custom Homes holds open new luxury design in Preston Hollow on June 28," 28 June 2020 The American Pyrotechnics Association also is predicting a record year in consumer fireworks sales, said Julie Heckman, the association’s executive director. — Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY, "Fireworks sales are booming nationwide due to COVID-19. Will sparklers sell out before Independence Day?," 28 June 2020 That confused association officially ended on Friday. — oregonlive, "Canzano: New name for Civil War rivalry is right under Oregon and Oregon State’s nose," 27 June 2020 While there has been no official notice about the new practice, the association warned businesses that there could be delays clearing cargo at ports, airports and customs stations across the country. — Michelle Toh, CNN, "Tensions between China and India are spilling over into global business," 26 June 2020 Through community service, the association has adopted families during the holiday season to fulfill their wish lists. — Shelby Dermer, The Enquirer, "Minority Athletic Directors Association gives scholarships to local student-athletes," 26 June 2020 The association is working with various partners to teach residents how to lay carpet, put up drywall, install plumbing. — jsonline.com, "Fannie Lou Hamer's declaration 'I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired' is still a rally cry for Black people in Milwaukee," 25 June 2020

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.