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.
Over time, the nervous system links desire with relational risk. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 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 However, this isn’t virality; the success is relational. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 14 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

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Cite this Entry

“Relational.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relational. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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