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relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship | \ ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio) \

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

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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.”
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The Sun is also reporting that Romeo's mom, Posh, approves of the relationship, which is always a good sign. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Who is Romeo Beckham? Everything You Need to Know About Millie Bobby Brown's Possible New Boyfriend," 19 Mar. 2019 Still, inflation hasn’t accelerated much over the past two years, leading to nagging doubts over the strength of the relationship between prices and unemployment. — Nick Timiraos, WSJ, "Economists’ Advice to Fed: Look at Rising Prices and Tight Labor Market," 22 Feb. 2019 The woman is described only as a resident of the home with some type of relationship with the man who rented it, Gary Davidson, 39, who was killed. — Christopher Weber, The Seattle Times, "Police: Shooter targeted 3 victims in gated LA community," 19 Feb. 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended university in Scotland at St Andrews, which is where their relationship began, and isn't far from Dundee. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Middleton Stuns in a McQueen Tartan Coat Dress to Visit Dundee's V&A Museum with Prince William," 29 Jan. 2019 And this season Adawehi is brutally murdered just as her relationship with Claire begins to blossom. — Wendy Naugle, Glamour, "What Outlander Finally Gets Right About Rape This Season," 7 Jan. 2019 Walken and Wood appear to have become friends during the filming of Trumbull’s movie, and there were tabloid rumors of a romantic relationship, and of Wagner’s jealousy. — Eleanor Hildebrandt, Popular Mechanics, "The True Story of the Lost Sci-Fi Movie "Brainstorm," Natalie Wood’s Last Film," 21 Dec. 2018 Arrivo was born from of the ashes of BamBrogan’s relationship with Hyperloop One. — Sean O'kane, The Verge, "Hyperloop startup Arrivo is shutting down as workers are laid off," 15 Dec. 2018 In her Vogue cover story, Chopra revealed how her relationship with Nick Jonas began—via text. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "5 Things You Didn’t Know About Priyanka Chopra," 1 Dec. 2018

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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First Known Use of relationship

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Last Updated

25 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for relationship

The first known use of relationship was in 1741

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More Definitions for relationship

relationship

noun
How to pronounce relationship (audio)

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 How to pronounce relationship (audio) \

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 How to pronounce relationship (audio) \

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on relationship

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with relationship

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for relationship

Spanish Central: Translation of relationship

Nglish: Translation of relationship for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of relationship for Arabic Speakers

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