relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms of relevance

• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Years of credibility, relevance, and goodwill evaporated almost instantly. —Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Dec. 2025

Even a quarterly design session where leaders help identify priorities, test prototypes, or offer honest feedback can dramatically increase relevance and engagement. —Lavinia Mehedintu, Big Think, 11 Dec. 2025

Since its 2011 debut, the Bekett has reportedly sold over 260,000 pairs, and Marant has extended the style’s relevance by releasing capsule updates and collaborations, including the Balskee and two Converse releases, which FN reported on earlier this year. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 11 Dec. 2025

In total, recent trends and surveys show that an AI tool’s practicality and relevance in everyday use will likely determine its success among the millions of Americans whose choices influence which programs do and do not pass muster. —Ethan Stone, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for relevance

• irrelevance

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted