relationship

noun

re·​la·​tion·​ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship 

1

: the way in which two or more things or people are connected : the state of being related or interrelated

the relationship between physical and mental health

studied the relationship between the variables

the doctor-patient relationship

2

a

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

had a good relationship with his family

The relationship between the two countries has improved.

She and her brother have a close relationship.

We have a great working relationship.

The two teammates have a love-hate relationship. [=a mixture of love and hate for one another]

b

: one's feelings or behavior towards something that one deals with regularly

raising kids to have a healthy relationship with food

I have a love-hate relationship with technology.

c

: a romantic or sexual friendship

I am not interested in a relationship right now.

3

a

: the state of being in the same family : kinship

claimed a relationship with the deceased

b

: a specific instance or type of kinship

a list of family relationships

Synonyms of relationship

• kinship
• connection
• association
• correlation
• relation
• linkage

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

Overall, among Catholic Americans who have seen this feud become the most contentious relationship between a secular leader and the papacy dating back to medieval times, the pope's favorability climbs to 61%, the poll said. —Terry Collins, USA Today, 7 May 2026

The Moon moves through your 1st House, opposing Jupiter in your 7th, highlighting the balance between your needs and the relationship. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2026

Be careful not to express an opinion about his relationship that might derail the conversation. —Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026

Mitchell spoke of how travel was the foundation of their relationship and how their trips were to research food in different regions of the world for their restaurants. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing relationship

• bear little relationship to/with
• committed relationship

Rhymes for relationship

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• citizenship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship

Kids Definition

relationship

noun

re·​la·​tion·​ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship 

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 

1

: the state of being related or interrelated

research into the relationship between diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease

—Current 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 relationship

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

b

: an emotional attachment between individuals

a meaningful relationship