linkage

noun

link·age | \ˈliŋ-kij

Definition of linkage

1 : the manner or style of being united: such as

a : the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule

2 : the quality or state of being linked especially : the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together — compare mendel's law sense 2

3 : a system of links especially : a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced

4 : link sense 2b

5 : the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about linkage

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Examples of linkage in a Sentence

linkages between population growth and disease the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to tolling, Griebel said the transportation board would focus on linkage to New York for commuters and to strengthen the ability to recruit employees in the five boroughs, Long Island and Westchester County. — Sandra Gomez-aceves, courant.com, "Oz Griebel Pledges To Establish Tolls, Bring Back Transportation Strategy Board," 8 June 2018 If targeted correctly, linkage can be formed between the threat of additional punitive measures and the expectation to close the gaps in the JCPOA. — Danny Danon, WSJ, "Israel and Its Neighbors Need an Iran Deal Overhaul," 30 Apr. 2018 Titans: Drafted 199th but coming off a productive college career (and with some undervalued attributes), sixth rounder Luke Falk has some serendipitous linkage to Tom Brady ... but let's not get carried away. — Nate Davis, USA TODAY, "Ranking NFL backup QBs by team: Who has best contingency plan?," 27 June 2018 Efforts have been made to link a child’s ability to resist immediate gratification with all kinds of benefits later in life — higher SAT scores, lower divorce rates, and more — but such linkages often fail to stand up to scrutiny. — Ian Haydon, Philly.com, "Despite what parents might think, kids have gotten better at self-control," 27 June 2018 But these economic linkages also come with strings attached, and once again fiscal crises and IMF restructuring are challenging the domestic political life of the kingdom. — Curtis R. Ryan, Washington Post, "Why Jordanians are protesting," 4 June 2018 There are plans to buy other land in the area to widen the wildlife linkage. — J. Harry Jones, latimes.com, "Land purchase makes possible big-cat crossing over — or under — I-15 in Riverside County," 29 Apr. 2018 Step three, weld it together and attach the steering and other linkages. — Anchorage Daily News, "They’re making a ‘Flying Boxcar’ into a mobile coffee shop. Because it is too cool not to.," 11 Feb. 2018 But Davis’ cadenza was not so much a jazz statement as a linkage between jazz and its antecedents in ancient Africa. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Jazz Philharmonic delivers urgent message with 'Chicago Immigrant Stories'," 15 June 2018

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