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

The dominating relationship record labels and TV networks have with YouTube has been concerning to individual creators. — Julia Alexander, The Verge, "YouTube’s alternative monetization strategy is a good step, but it ignores bigger problems," 12 July 2019 On Sunday, an admiral selected to be the top Navy officer withdrew due to what officials said was an inappropriate professional relationship. — CBS News, "Joint Chiefs nominee cleared of sexual misconduct charges," 11 July 2019 Those factors meant there was a risk the system might not always pick the best clip, says Sam Seddon, the IBM executive who manages Big Blue's relationship with the AELTC. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, "Game, Set, Machine Learning: How IBM Is Fine-Tuning Its Wimbledon Tech," 11 July 2019 On Sunday, an admiral selected to be the top Navy officer withdrew due to what officials said was an inappropriate professional relationship. — Lolita Baldor, Anchorage Daily News, "Senior officer accuses Air Force general of sexual misconduct," 11 July 2019 Prosecutors said the couple’s relationship involved physical and emotional abuse. — Kaylee Remington, cleveland.com, "Cleveland quadruple homicide is latest example in long line of restraining orders failing to protect women from abusers," 11 July 2019 Giving in to an excessive American demand does not seem a suitable way to set the tone for a more fruitful relationship. — Sahil Handa, National Review, "Boris Johnson Failed to Defend Britain’s Ambassador — and British Sovereignty," 11 July 2019 Hildreth’s other brush with fame came from her husband’s distant relationship to Walt and Roy Disney. — Emily Sorensen, Pomerado News, "From Bonnie and Clyde to Walt Disney, Poway 103-year-old has lifetime of memories," 11 July 2019 In paper, metal, plastic and digital media, the works examine commercial systems of trade, value and labor as well as personal relationships to money. — Houston Chronicle, "The Must List: Panteón Rococó, Sawyer Yards Mural," 11 July 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

15 Jul 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