relationship

noun

re·​la·​tion·​ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio)
1
: the state of being related or interrelated
studied the relationship between the variables
2
: the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: such as
a
b
: a specific instance or type of kinship
3
a
: a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings
had a good relationship with his family
b
: a romantic or passionate attachment

Examples of relationship in a Sentence

The relationship between the two countries has improved. She has a close relationship with her sister. She has had many bad relationships. I am not in a relationship right now. the relationship between mental and physical health “What is your relationship to the witness?” “He is my father.”
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.
Diné scholar Melanie Yazzie challenges notions about the relationship between decolonization and development. JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025 Each episode captures a key moment in their evolving relationship, set against the backdrop of cultural milestones like TRL, Sidekicks, and the birth of social media. Joe Otterson, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025 When the past does indeed come knocking on Bob’s door, flushing him out of his home with shock troops and smoke grenades, Bob is forced to violently recalibrate his relationship to the present. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025 One of my favorite books about the Constitution, by historian Michael Kammen, argues the paradox of Americans’ relationship to the Constitution is that people appear to be so wholly wedded to a document that so few have ever read for themselves. Big Think, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relationship

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relationship was in 1724

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relationship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relationship. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio)
1
: the state of being related
study language relationships
2
: kinship
claimed relationship with the mayor
also : a specific instance or type of this
family relationships
3
: a state of affairs existing between those having shared dealings
good doctor-patient relationships

Medical Definition

relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship -shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio)
1
: the state of being related or interrelated
research into the relationship between diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and coronary heart diseaseCurrent Biography
2
a
: a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings
called on to assume the role of personal advisor in the doctor-patient relationshipThe Journal of the American Medical Association
b
: an emotional attachment between individuals
a meaningful relationship

More from Merriam-Webster on relationship

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