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

2

: the act of correlating

correlational

ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)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

PayJoy runs the other way, into exactly the markets that correlation leaves out. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Nonetheless, some correlation remains between a player’s overall summer-league performance and his regular-season performance in the season to follow. — John Hollinger, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Beyond establishing a correlation between aid and degree completion, our analyses suggest that even modest financial aid has a significant lifting effect. — Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026

Sarkar proved that every quantum operation is associated with a unique set of observable correlations. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing correlation

• coefficient of correlation
• correlation coefficient
• rank correlation

Rhymes for correlation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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

correlational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective