relationship

noun

Save Word

re·la·tion·ship | \ ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship

Definition of relationship

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 : kinship

b : a specific instance or type of kinship

3a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings had a good relationship with his family

b : a romantic or passionate attachment

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about relationship

Keep scrolling for more

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 Adi enjoyed the best scoring period of his MLS career under Porter at Portland, so there's an existing relationship and a history of compatibility. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "MLS: Fanendo Adi headed to FC Cincinnati rival Columbus Crew SC," 25 Jan. 2020 Prince Harry has expressed his adamancy in making sure the mega-popular Netflix series doesn’t portray his and wife Duchess Meghan’s relationship and tabloid turmoil for the television screen. — Bianca Betancourt, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince Harry Does Not Want to See an On-Screen Portrayal of His Life on The Crown," 22 Jan. 2020 After the Revolutionary War, America’s relationship to Indianness changed. — Jennifer Percy, Harper's magazine, "The Skinning Tree," 20 Jan. 2020 Last year, the company celebrated 40 years of the initial result of that relationship: Danner Light, the first Gore-Tex boot. — Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "Everything That Goes Into Making a Danner Boot," 20 Jan. 2020 When her role with the organization was announced a year ago, royal reporter had larger implications for Harry and Meghan's working relationship with the Commonwealth. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "What Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's New Roles in the British Commonwealth Look Like?," 19 Jan. 2020 Apple Card behind the scenes During an earnings call this week, Goldman Sachs talked about its relationship with Apple on the Apple Card credit card. — Don Reisinger, Fortune, "Apple locks down a $200 million A.I. investment, as the Trump administration demands keys to the iPhone’s ‘backdoor’," 18 Jan. 2020 This will be the second season for McHale and Ushkowitz — the two started recording Showmance last March to chat about their relationship on- and off-screen. — Lynette Rice, EW.com, "Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz are hosting a Glee recap podcast," 11 Jan. 2020 Whatever the reason, the cancellation will probably spell the end of Mosiman’s career in the festival business, explained Niland, who is expected to testify at trial about his own relationship with Gordon and his professional experience in music. — Dave Brooks, Billboard, "'Thunder on the Mountain' Emails Offer Rare Inside Look At the Final Days of a Doomed Festival," 10 Jan. 2020

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about relationship

Dictionary Entries near relationship

Statistics for relationship

Last Updated

28 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Relationship.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relationship. Accessed 29 January 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for relationship

relationship

noun

English Language Learners Definition of relationship

: the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other

: a romantic or sexual friendship between two people

: the way in which two or more people or things are connected

See the full definition for relationship in the English Language Learners Dictionary

relationship

noun

re·la·tion·ship | \ ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship

Kids Definition of relationship

1 : the state of being related or connected

2 : connection by common ancestry or marriage

3 : the state of interaction between two or more people, groups, or countries The sisters have a close relationship.

relationship

noun

re·la·tion·ship | \ -shən-ˌship

Medical Definition of relationship

1 : the state of being related or interrelated research into the relationship between diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease — Current Biography

2a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings called on to assume the role of personal advisor in the doctor-patient relationship — Journal of the American Medical Association

b : an emotional attachment between individuals a meaningful relationship

Keep scrolling for more