liaison

noun

li·ai·son | \ ˈlē-ə-ˌzän

, lē-ˈā-

, nonstandard ˈlā-ə-

Definition of liaison

1 : a binding or thickening agent used in cooking a butter and flour liaison

2a : a close bond or connection : interrelationship

b : an illicit sexual relationship : affair sense 3a

3a : communication for establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and cooperation (as between parts of an armed force)

b : a person who establishes and maintains communication for mutual understanding and cooperation a press liaison

4 : the pronunciation of an otherwise absent consonant sound at the end of the first of two consecutive words the second of which begins with a vowel sound and follows without pause

Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about liaison

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Did You Know?

If you took French in school, you might remember that liaison is the term for the phenomenon that causes a silent consonant at the end of one word to sound like it begins the next word when that word begins with a vowel, so that a phrase like beaux arts sounds like "bo zart." We can thank French for the origin of the term, as well. Liaison derives from the Middle French lier, meaning "to bind or tie," and is related to our word liable. Our various English senses of liaison apply it to all kinds of bonds-from people who work to connect different groups to the kind of relationship sometimes entered into by two people who are attracted to one another.

Examples of liaison in a Sentence

Today's army works on rotations; soldiers are deployed for about a year and then (in principle at least) they come home. When that happens, local liaisons and intelligence relationships must be rebuilt. — James K. Galbraith, Mother Jones, March/April 2006 I had known Korologos when I was Solicitor General, and he was the Nixon White House's liaison to the Senate. He was a great support. — Robert H. Bork, The Tempting of America, 1990 Gossip columnists began to infer from Evelyn's disappearances that she was engaging in reckless liaisons, and her name was linked with dozens of men around town. — E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime, (1974) 1975 She acts as a liaison between the police department and city schools. Administrators need to maintain better liaison with employees. Administrators need to establish a close liaison with employees. He regretted his liaison with a woman from the office.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation in September 2017 establishing an Office of Nightlife to serve as a liaison between the city and nightlife operators, workers and customers. — Kate King, WSJ, "New York City’s Nightlife Economy Is Thriving, Study Finds," 24 Jan. 2019 Cobb, who sports a trademark mustache, served as the president’s internal legal counsel and acted as a liaison between the White House and Mueller’s office. — John Roberts, Fox News, "Ty Cobb to leave Trump's legal team, be replaced by Clinton impeachment lawyer," 2 Oct. 2018 Several former staffers of the Koch network now work in the Trump administration, including White House legislative liaison Marc Short, ensuring that the allied groups have a seat at the table. — Washington Post, "‘The movement now transcends the Kochs.’ What David Koch’s departure means for the political network he helped build.," 7 June 2018 Farenthold will act as a full-time legislative liaison working to secure approval for the port's expansion, the state agency told the Caller-Times in a statement. — William Cummings, USA TODAY, "Disgraced ex-Rep. Blake Farenthold illegally hired to new lobbying job, lawsuit claims," 21 May 2018 Sources said Bohl is being seriously considered to take the job previously held by Kimberly Montgomery as the mayor's legislative liaison. — Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee Ald. Jim Bohl expected to get city lobbyist job, setting off scramble for seat," 16 May 2018 If McConnell’s warning was not clear enough, Marc Short, the White House’s legislative liaison, used the dinner to offer an even starker assessment. — Kevin Freking, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump takes aim at familiar targets at Michigan rally," 28 Apr. 2018 Two candidates filed for the District C seat, encompassing greater Bel Air and Forest Hill, Jim Antal and Kathryn Carmello, the latter previously served as a legislative liaison for HCPS. — David Anderson, The Aegis, "Harford school board makeup headed for major changes in next 16 months," 2 Mar. 2018 The White House’s budget director and legislative liaison made the rounds at the Capitol. — Philip Elliott, Time, "The People Who Started the Shutdown Don't Know How to End It," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'liaison.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.