cohesive

adjective

co·​he·​sive kō-ˈhē-siv 

-ziv

: exhibiting or producing cohesion or coherence

a cohesive social unit

cohesive soils

the cohesive property of clay

cohesively adverb

cohesiveness noun

Did you know?

The Latin verb haerēre has shown remarkable stick-to-itiveness in influencing the English lexicon, which is fitting for a word that means "to be closely attached; to stick." Among its descendants are adhere (literally meaning "to stick"), adhere’s relative adhesive (a word for sticky substances), inhere (meaning "to belong by nature or habit"), and even hesitate (which implies remaining stuck in place before taking action). In Latin, haerēre teamed up with the prefix co- to form cohaerēre, which means "to stick together." Cohaerēre is the ancestor of cohesive, a word borrowed into English in the early 18th century to describe something that sticks together literally (such as dough or mud) or figuratively (such as a society or sports team).

Examples of cohesive in a Sentence

Their tribe is a small but cohesive group.

Religion can be used as a cohesive social force.

Recent Examples on the Web

While PennDOT already has created over 30 wildlife crossings, the establishment of the new cohesive group of state agency stakeholders is likely to accelerate building the safe animal passageways and reverse the high collision rate with motorists. — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

In its early design stages, the plan intends to improve the streetscape around Union Square along 14th Street and create more of a cohesive look and feel to the corridor, Stein said. — David Moin, Footwear News, 28 July 2026

Distribute boards throughout the kitchen or group them with other decor elements to create cohesive displays. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026

According to city planning staff, the mix of home designs and elevations is intended to create visual variety throughout the neighborhood while maintaining a cohesive streetscape that complements surrounding development. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin cohaesus, past participle of cohaerēre "to stick together, cohere" + -ive

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cohesive

• adhesive

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Medical Definition

cohesive

adjective

co·​he·​sive kō-ˈhē-siv, -ziv 

: exhibiting or producing cohesion

cohesively adverb

cohesiveness noun