relational

adjective

re·​la·​tion·​al ri-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce relational (audio)
1
: of or relating to kinship
2
: characterized or constituted by relations
3
: having the function chiefly of indicating a relation of syntax
has is notional in he has luck, relational in he has gone
4
: relating to, using, or being a method of organizing data in a database so that it is perceived by the user as a set of tables
relationally adverb

Examples of relational in a Sentence

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.
Most networking efforts fall flat because the focus is transactional rather than relational. Kathy Caprino, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Still, the message remains relational at its core. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026 If relational changes are necessary, choose a clear goal that those involved can sustain over time. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2026 And Georgia, Alabama, and Florida were among the top states ready and willing to make 2026 their year for deeper relational connection. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relational

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relational was in 1662

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relational. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!