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

The findings demonstrate correlations rather than direct causation, meaning the trends don't necessarily stem from physiological changes, early microbial exposures or social dynamics. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Kindlepreneur found a clear positive correlation between list size and direct income, with authors whose lists topped 15,000 subscribers earning many multiples of those with fewer than 100. — Jd Barker, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The demographic correlation The loss of a school is something most community members can feel. — Austin Horn august 11, Miami Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

The correlation reminded the scientists about how modern deep-sea life relies on falling poop to bring vital nutrients down from richer ecosystems above. — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 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