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 when the researchers took into account confounding factors such as a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders or mothers’ preexisting mental health conditions, the correlation disappeared.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
The correlation of crude oil prices and the volatility index during the Iranian conflict is unmistakable.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 26 May 2026
Arizona has won 11 games and lost only five since promoting him, which feels significant (but, hey, correlation/causation and whatnot).
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Methods For Using Coffee Grounds As Mosquito Repellent Studies have shown correlations between coffee grounds and mosquitoes.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
The correlation of crude oil prices and the volatility index during the Iranian conflict is unmistakable.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 26 May 2026
Arizona has won 11 games and lost only five since promoting him, which feels significant (but, hey, correlation/causation and whatnot).
—Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Methods For Using Coffee Grounds As Mosquito Repellent Studies have shown correlations between coffee grounds and mosquitoes.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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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