combination

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

often attributive

1

a

: a result or product of combining

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

especially : an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end

b

: two or more persons working as a team

Together they are a winning combination.

2

: an ordered sequence: such as

a

: a sequence of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock

What is the combination to the safe?

also : the mechanism operating or moved by the sequence

b

: a rapid sequence of punches in boxing

c

: any subset of a set considered without regard to order within the subset

3

: any of various one-piece undergarments for the upper and lower parts of the body

—usually used in plural

wore combinations in the winter to keep warm

4

: an instrument designed to perform two or more tasks

The tool is a jackknife and bottle opener combination.

5

a

: the act or process of combining

especially : that of uniting to form a chemical compound

The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.

b

: the quality or state of being combined

combinational

ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• admixture
• alloy
• amalgam
• amalgamation
• blend
• cocktail
• composite
• compound
• conflation
• emulsion
• fusion
• intermixture
• meld
• mix
• mixture
• synthesis

Example Sentences

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

The car's interior is available in various color combinations.

A combination of factors led to her decision.

The milkshakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, or any combination of these.

He has the right combination of talent and experience.

The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.

What is the combination to the safe?

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Recent Examples on the Web

This combination of luscious fruit and fluffy topping has made this dessert iconic for generations, and the combination of peaches and blueberries further elevates the classic. —Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2023

The 26-year-old has developed into an integral part of the Dallas run game, teaming up with right guard Zack Martin on combination blocks that are considered as sound as any blocking duo in the league. —Michael Gehlken, Dallas News, 3 Sep. 2023

Here are some comparable shows, with some combination of cases of the week, recurring story arcs, buddy rapports, many episodes, and a tone that will not give you bloody nightmares. —Matthew Gilbert, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2023

Get ready to be floored by the knockout combination of flavors and effects offered by these remarkable gummies. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2023

The combination of not enough money for officers, and not enough of them to fill thousands of openings across the U.S., is an ongoing struggle in cities nationwide. —Paul J. Weber, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2023

Therefore, a lower metabolic rate could be due to a lack of estrogen, the loss of muscle mass, or a combination of both. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 1 Sep. 2023

Available exclusively at Lowe’s stores nationwide and on Lowes.com, the designer-inspired 2024 Color Collection of the Year includes ten refreshing neutrals combined with gentle, bright shades that create a new twist on traditional color combinations. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023

The combination of high sovereign debt, a growing gang population, and a surging demand for cocaine across the world left Ecuador in a vulnerable state when the FARC disbanded in 2017 . —Anna Gordon, Time, 19 Aug. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see combine entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing combination

• in combination with
• combination therapy
• in combination
• combination shot
• linear combination
• combination lock
• winning combination

• in combination with
• combination therapy
• in combination
• combination shot
• linear combination
• combination lock
• winning combination

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Kids Definition

combination

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: a result or product of combining

especially : a number of persons or groups joined together to achieve some end

2

a

: a connected series of letters or numbers chosen in setting a lock

b

: any of the possible subsets of a set without regard to the order of their elements

3

: the act or process of combining

especially : that of uniting to form a chemical compound

Legal Definition

combination

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tion

1

a

: an alliance of individuals, states, or especially corporations united to achieve a common (as economic) end see also combination in restraint of trade compare joint venture sense 1, merger

b

: conspiracy

2

: a union of old or new elements or parts that is patentable because it produces a new and useful result compare aggregation sense 2, equivalent