relationship

noun

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

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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

That dynamic is why the therapist-client relationship is often about race, but there’s also more to it. — Gloria Oladipo, Teen Vogue, "Why I Need a Woman of Color Therapist," 17 May 2019 Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart's relationship is a Riverdale fan's dream. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Are Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart Endgame or Are They Destined to Breakup?," 29 Apr. 2019 Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani may seem like an unlikely match, but the country singer and pop star's relationship is stronger than ever. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "Blake Shelton Took Gwen Stefani on the Sweetest Family Vacation to His Home State," 1 Apr. 2019 In other words, relationships are a constant work in progress. — Kimberly Dawn Neumann, Woman's Day, "How to Rekindle a Marriage, According to Experts," 27 Feb. 2019 The relationship is likely to become more significant as a deadline nears for India to comply with U.S. sanctions against Iran, one of India’s main oil providers. — Ashok Sharma, The Seattle Times, "Saudi crown prince backs India’s fight against terrorism," 20 Feb. 2019 Today, this symbiotic relationship is more complicated than simple efficiency and expedience. — Pam Baker, Ars Technica, "Artificial Intelligence and the coming of the self-designing machine," 6 Dec. 2018 While Taylor's known for using her music to put her relationships on full blast, she's kept this one under tight wraps. — Jasmine Gomez, Seventeen, "5 Signs Taylor Swift Is Definitely Engaged To Joe Alwyn," 29 Apr. 2019 Before the the big day, here's a look back at the couple's relationship. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "'Blue Bloods' Couple Jamie Reagan and Eddie Janko Have Had Such a Dramatic Relationship," 27 Apr. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near relationship

Statistics for relationship

Last Updated

20 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for relationship

The first known use of relationship was in 1741

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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