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

2

: the act of correlating

correlational

ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌkär-

adjective

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 there sure seems to be a correlation between the teams that consistently avoid bad deals and the ones that challenge for the Stanley Cup. — Max Bultman, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Bitcoin has struggled this year, breaking its correlation to technology stocks as Elon Musk issues a prediction that could change everything. — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

There’s a correlation between heavy social media usage and severe loneliness, particularly for young people. — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026

There has been a direct correlation between catching these sharks in this stage in their lives and the mortality of the pups inside the moms. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin correlation-, correlatio, from Latin com- + relation-, relatio relation

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing correlation

• coefficient of correlation
• correlation coefficient
• rank correlation

Rhymes for correlation

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

Kids 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

correlational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective