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.
If the data are normalized to both bookends of Figure 2, the hills and valleys in between do reveal significant correlation. Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Numerous studies show there is no correlation between spending and winning. Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025 Experts agree that there is no scientific evidence or correlation between these drugs and violence towards others. Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 The correlation between presidential and Senate outcomes is much more powerful than a generation ago, when many more voters split their tickets. Ronald Brownstein, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 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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