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
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Part of the issue, according to the report, is an outdated metric of success and correlation between business and year-over-year growth.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
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.
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Part of the issue, according to the report, is an outdated metric of success and correlation between business and year-over-year growth.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
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 29 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share