relationship

noun

re·​la·​tion·​ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio)
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
b
: a specific instance or type of kinship
3
a
: a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings
had a good relationship with his family
b
: a romantic or passionate attachment

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prioritizing your professional ambitions can strain your closest relationships today. Usa Today, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 And of course the relationship was the brotherly type, for good and bad. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025 All in all, Pantzer's keen eye and relationships netted him 38 of the artist's watercolors, 3,000 engravings and seven life portraits, according to Newfields' collection overview. Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 26 Sep. 2025 The Supreme Court disagreed, reasoning the membership relationship between UNLV and the NCAA didn’t warrant a finding of state action by the NCAA. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relationship

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relationship was in 1724

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relationship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relationship. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio)
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 How to pronounce relationship (audio)
1
: the state of being related or interrelated
research into the relationship between diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and coronary heart diseaseCurrent 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 relationshipThe Journal of the American Medical Association
b
: an emotional attachment between individuals
a meaningful relationship

More from Merriam-Webster on relationship

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