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
There isn’t enough evidence yet to tie extended phone and screen use to a rise in myopia, but Maturi says the correlation is quite strong.
—Heather Kelly, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
State officials noted the correlation between physical activity and mental health in a press release detailing the data last month.
—Lucille Sherman, Axios, 9 July 2024
Researchers found that this eating pattern had the strongest correlation with healthy aging.
—Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 2 July 2024
But while one study found a positive correlation between larger DEI bureaucracies and reduced tolerance of conservative speakers, the author, a political scientist, argued that the effect was likely too small to move the needle on illiberal attitudes among students.
—Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation 
Heather Kelly, Washington Post, 11 July 2024
State officials noted the correlation between physical activity and mental health in a press release detailing the data last month.
—Lucille Sherman, Axios, 9 July 2024
Researchers found that this eating pattern had the strongest correlation with healthy aging.
—Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 2 July 2024
But while one study found a positive correlation between larger DEI bureaucracies and reduced tolerance of conservative speakers, the author, a political scientist, argued that the effect was likely too small to move the needle on illiberal attitudes among students.
—Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'correlation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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