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

Granted, many of the commentators offering these predictions are employed by traditional universities, and might tend to believe more strongly in the enduring relevance of the academy. —Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 5 May 2026

What began as an early 20th-century invention for flexible entertaining space in tight apartments bears as much relevance today. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 May 2026

For that reason, aside from the optics and atmosphere discussed above, what has happened this season will hold little relevance to what happens next. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 3 May 2026

The Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) plays an important role in this regard by expanding the societal relevance of environmental issues through its journalist training services and its advocacy for press freedom and access to information. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026

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