dependency

noun

de·​pen·​den·​cy di-ˈpen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies
1
2
: something that is dependent on something else
especially : a territorial unit under the jurisdiction of a nation but not formally annexed by it
3
: a building (such as a stable) that is an adjunct to a main dwelling

Examples of dependency in a Sentence

the country's dependency on foreign oil a dependency on foreign oil
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.
The breaks show the hidden dependencies where your business still needs you as a crutch. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 The states with the highest vice dependencies are Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 The southern half became the Republic of Korea, an American dependency. Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 The change promises to save on costs and reduce the ministry’s dependency on US software. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dependency

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependency was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dependency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependency. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pend·​en·​cy
di-ˈpen-dən-sē
plural dependencies
1
2
: a territory under the authority of a nation but not formally a part of it

Medical Definition

dependency

noun
de·​pen·​den·​cy -dən-sē How to pronounce dependency (audio)
plural dependencies

More from Merriam-Webster on dependency

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