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 … —
James B. Conant
James 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
Note that the correlation 1D_5D indicates the correlation between 1D post-earnings returns and subsequent 5D returns.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
And while correlation between methylation and gene expression was strong, causality was not proven.
—New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025
Not surprisingly, the bank found a clear correlation between spending spikes and game days.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Basic mechanical tightness happens in direct correlation with physical activity, abating within a few days.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
And while correlation between methylation and gene expression was strong, causality was not proven.
—New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025
Not surprisingly, the bank found a clear correlation between spending spikes and game days.
—Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Basic mechanical tightness happens in direct correlation with physical activity, abating within a few days.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 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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