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
J. 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
Their research introduced the principle of correlation detection as a possible explanation for how the brain merges sensory signals.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
The researchers emphasized, however, that this study only shows correlation and does not prove causation, and that more research is needed.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Villarroel and study co-author Stephen Bruehl, a professor of anesthesiology from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, say their data show a statistical correlation between these flashes of light and reported sightings of unidentified objects.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025
There’s also a direct correlation between self-esteem and attraction, which can be mutually beneficial.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
The researchers emphasized, however, that this study only shows correlation and does not prove causation, and that more research is needed.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Villarroel and study co-author Stephen Bruehl, a professor of anesthesiology from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, say their data show a statistical correlation between these flashes of light and reported sightings of unidentified objects.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2025
There’s also a direct correlation between self-esteem and attraction, which can be mutually beneficial.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 29 Oct. 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 9 Nov. 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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