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

Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more. —Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026

One 2021 review published in The American Journal of Medicine looked into the relationship between mushroom consumption and cardiovascular health. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 8 Mar. 2026

Set in London and Spain, the story unfolds across six episodes — Wright directed the first three — and cleverly heightens the tensions sometimes experienced in in-law relationships. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

The county Medical Examiner's Office has said Mila would have been 8 years old, her half-sister Amor 10, and that DNA relationship testing helped identify them. —CBS News, 7 Mar. 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