coupling

1 of 2

noun

cou·​pling ˈkə-pliŋ 

(usual for sense 2)

-pə-liŋ 

1

: the act of bringing or coming together : pairing

specifically : sexual union

2

: a device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent parts or objects

3

: the joining of or the part of the body that joins the hindquarters to the forequarters of a quadruped

4

: a means of electric connection of two electric circuits by having a part common to both

coupling

2 of 2

present participle of couple entry 2

Synonyms of coupling

Noun

• junction
• intersection

Examples of coupling in a Sentence

Noun

the couplings between railroad cars

a coupling of literature and science

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The mechanism itself is fundamentally blocked by recoil, quantum statistics, and the lack of sufficient collective coupling. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

The coupling is equally beneficial for concerns like hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026

Nearly seven years later, the coupling was still on Andy Cohen’s mind Sunday night when the actress stopped by Watch What Happens Live to promote The Wrong Girls alongside costar Kristen Stewart. — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026

Their coupling came months after Plaza’s estranged husband Jeff Baena died by suicide in January 2025. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coupling

• decoupling
• uncoupling

Kids Definition

coupling

noun

cou·​pling ˈkəp-liŋ ( 

usual for sense 2 ), 

-ə-liŋ

1

: the act of bringing or coming together

2

: something that connects two parts or things

Medical Definition

coupling

noun

cou·​pling ˈkəp-liŋ, -ə-liŋ 

1

: the joint together with its supporting structures between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum that joins the hindquarters of a quadruped to the trunk

broadly : the part of the body or the conformation and proportionate length of the part of the body that joins the hindquarters to the forequarters

2

: the tendency of linked traits to be inherited together in offspring of a double heterozygote when both dominant genes occur on one chromosome and both recessive genes occur on the homologous chromosome compare repulsion

3

: bigeminy