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-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of combination

• mixture
• mix
• blend
• amalgamation
• amalgam
• alloy

Examples of combination in a Sentence

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?

Recent Examples on the Web

Serbian hydrology expert Dejan Vladikovic said the current drought is the combination of a lack of winter snow and a very dry spring. — CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The appeal lies in the combination of low weight, a rev-happy engine, and a crisp six-speed gearbox. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

The Valkyries had no answer in the first half, but a combination of tighter defense and possibly tired legs saw those effortless makes turn into clanks. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

The milky, all-in-one formula is particularly well suited to combination-to-dry and sensitive skin, thoroughly whisking away makeup and excess oil without leaving your face with that squeaky-clean, tight feeling. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see combine entry 1

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing combination

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

Rhymes for combination

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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