connective

1 of 2

adjective

con·​nec·​tive kə-ˈnek-tiv 

: serving to connect

connectively adverb

connective

2 of 2

noun

: something that connects: such as

a

: a linguistic form that connects words or word groups

b

: a logical term (such as or, if-then, and, not) or a symbol for it that relates propositions in such a way that the truth or falsity of the resulting statement is determined by the truth or falsity of the components

Examples of connective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Capital is flowing toward companies focused on deep technical challenges and infrastructure layers—entities that may not dominate headlines, but increasingly serve as the connective architecture behind enterprise capability and future-facing platforms. —Arthur Mouratov, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Many have been quick to draw a connective throughline between the revival of trends like skinny jeans and bandage dress with the increasing accessibility of Ozempic and other GLP-1 injectables. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 24 July 2025

Noun

The four main types of tissue in your body are epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025

This tough connective has a silvery look. —Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 24 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1660, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1751, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing connective

• connective tissue

Rhymes for connective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective
• injective

Kids Definition

connective

1 of 2 adjective

con·​nec·​tive kə-ˈnek-tiv 

: connecting or tending to connect

connectively adverb

connective

2 of 2 noun

: something that connects

especially : a word or expression (as a conjunction or a relative pronoun) that connects words or word groups