correlation
noun
cor·re·la·tion
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən 
ˌkär-
1
: the state or relation of being correlated
specifically
: a relation existing between phenomena or things or between mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone
… the obviously high positive correlation between scholastic aptitude and college entrance … —
J. B. Conant
J. B. Conant 2
: the act of correlating
Examples of correlation in a Sentence
the correlation of brain size and intelligence
Researchers have found a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer.
She says that there's no correlation between being thin and being happy.
Recent Examples on the Web
But Sarna does concede a correlation to his childhood attraction to race car driving.
—Todd Longwell, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025
While there’s no exact correlation between the sandwich and cryptocurrency, fans of both may find joy in the delicious coincidence.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
For example, air pollution has been proven to have a direct correlation to dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface conditions.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 11 Nov. 2025
There would seem to be a correlation between Stafford having more time to throw and feeling better about striking down the field.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Todd Longwell, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025
While there’s no exact correlation between the sandwich and cryptocurrency, fans of both may find joy in the delicious coincidence.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
For example, air pollution has been proven to have a direct correlation to dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface conditions.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 11 Nov. 2025
There would seem to be a correlation between Stafford having more time to throw and feeling better about striking down the field.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
correlation
noun
cor·re·la·tion
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən
ˌkär-
1
: the act or process of correlating
2
: the state of being correlated
especially
: a mutual relation discovered to exist between things
the correlation between smoking and lung cancer
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