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 asa : kinshipb : 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 familyb : a romantic or passionate attachment
From the M-W Editors
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 of relationship from the Web
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Nick Consonery, senior director and head of Asia political risk at FTI Consulting, discusses the U.S.-China trade talks and the relationship between the two countries.
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Over 30 years ago, the Virginia native came to the city as a student and began building relationships before making her debut at Barneys in 1986.
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The relationship between council members and city manager and staff also needs review.
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The study, published last month, found a relationship between states with high numbers of war casualties and an increase in Republican support in the 2016 presidential election.
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That has since changed, as employees at the once-small startup and the giant automaker recognized and respected the expertise that each company brought to the relationship.
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The Big Sick, the autobiographical rom-com from Silicon Valley star Kumail Nanjiani, is about an unlikely relationship.
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Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire began dating while shooting 2002’s Spider-Man but ended their relationship before shooting 2007’s Spider-Man 3.
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But not all rock-solid relationships make headlines.
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.
First Known Use of relationship
1741
Other Psychology Terms
RELATIONSHIP Defined for English Language Learners
relationship
playDefinition of relationship for English Language Learners
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: the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other
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: a romantic or sexual friendship between two people
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: the way in which two or more people or things are connected
RELATIONSHIP Defined for Kids
relationship
playDefinition of relationship for Students
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.
Medical Dictionary
relationship
playMedical 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 Associationb: an emotional attachment between individuals a meaningful relationship
Learn More about relationship
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See 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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