correlation

noun

cor·​re·​la·​tion ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce correlation (audio)
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
2
: the act of correlating
correlational
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shnəl How to pronounce correlation (audio)
-shə-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conversely, negative correlations suggest a competitive or inhibitory relationship, pointing to the potential for gut fungi to influence bacterial populations and vice versa. New Atlas, 21 June 2025 The findings revealed a strong negative correlation between frequent AI use and critical thinking performance. Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Part of the issue, according to the report, is an outdated metric of success and correlation between business and year-over-year growth. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025 Fraser works tirelessly to make her correlations convincing. Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for correlation

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of correlation was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

correlation

noun
cor·​re·​la·​tion ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce correlation (audio)
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 How to pronounce correlation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on correlation

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