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con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt 
1
a
: union or junction of surfaces
Cooling begins when the lava makes contact with the air.
b
: the apparent touching or mutual tangency of the limbs of two celestial bodies or of the disk of one body with the shadow of another during an eclipse, transit, or occultation
c(1)
: the junction of two electrical conductors through which a current passes
(2)
: a special part made for such a junction
The camera's flash wasn't working because the electrical contacts needed to be cleaned.
2
a
: association, relationship
students and teachers in daily contact
b
: connection, communication
I lost contact with her years ago.
c
: an establishing of communication with someone or an observing or receiving of a significant signal from a person or object
radar contact with Mars
3
: a person serving as a go-between, messenger, connection, or source of special information
business contacts
4
: contact lens
She wears contacts more often than glasses.
con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt
kən-ˈtakt
contacted; contacting; contacts
: to make contact
the point at which the two surfaces contact
1
: to bring into contact
2
a
: to enter or be in contact with : join
The spark contacted the gunpowder.
b
: to get in communication with
Contact your local dealer.
Is contact a verb?: Usage Guide
The use of contact as a verb, especially in sense 2b, is accepted as standard by almost all commentators except those who write college handbooks.
con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt
: maintaining, involving, or activated or caused by contact
contact poisons
contact sports
contact dermatitis
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Noun
Physical contact between a mother and child is very important.
a disease that is spread by sexual contact
Contacts between the two leaders have been frequent in recent weeks.
I applied for a job at that law firm because I have a contact there.
Verb
For more information, contact the city's tourism office.
We were able to contact them by radio.
She contacted everyone on the list.
Adjective
Ice hockey is a contact sport.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Claire Law, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Mar. 2023
The new Electronic Immigration Form, requires travelers to submit their itinerary and contact information within 72 hours of arrival.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2023
This is a frustrating reversal for the US, where determined public health efforts and robust contact-tracing programs had driven congenital syphilis cases to almost historically low numbers just a decade ago.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2023
To report a raptor nest, contact Katz at raptors@friendsofgriffithpark.org, or call or text (818) 384-9493.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2023
However, Riemer held firm to her initial conclusion that the bullet entered his neck and was not a contact injury.
—Fox News, 28 Feb. 2023
Waymo says 55 percent of these minor contact events involved another driver colliding with a stationary Waymo vehicle, and 10 percent occurred at night.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2023
As part of his sentence, Stacy must complete a batterer’s intervention program, avoid any hostile contact with the victim or her family and continue with counseling or therapy.
—Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2023
Most times Doncic hollered about perceived missed calls or was slow to stand after drawing contact, the Mavericks’ already shorthanded defense further wilted.
—Dallas News, 27 Feb. 2023
Jamie Landers, Dallas News, 15 Mar. 2023
Please reach out to a therapist, and if the depression feels insurmountable, contact a hotline, such as the one from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 800-662-4357.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2023
Security footage from area businesses showed Millard went to a Greyhound station, where a security guard offered to either call an Uber or contact the police.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 15 Mar. 2023
For more details, contact Jane Dorian at Carolwood Estates who holds the listing.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2023
Police ask anyone with information about the Wednesday-morning shooting at the hotel to contact the East County Major Crimes Team’s lead detective, Jenn Ritschard, through the tip line: 503-926-1506.
—Savannaheadens, oregonlive, 15 Mar. 2023
Patients select the provider or pharmacy that holds their prescription and Amazon does the legwork to contact them and transfer the prescription.
—Lauren Mchugh Olende, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2023
The only way to complete the work was to contact the owners of the other unit underneath and ask for permission to enter.
—Tamara Hardingham-gill, CNN, 14 Mar. 2023
Those interested in the position of Carmel girls basketball coach should contact Inskeep via email: jinskeep@ccs.k12.in.us.
—Brian Haenchen, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Mar. 2023
Dallas News, 9 May 2022
Fredrick, who connected on 47% of his 3-pointers during two years at Iowa, said he’s participated in non-contact drills and is slowly getting back into live work.
—Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, 20 Oct. 2021
However, the veteran running back shed his red non-contact jersey.
—Mark Daniels, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2021
Even though he’s been in a non-contact jersey and worn a knee brace, Roberson has still practiced during one-on-ones and some team sessions.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 16 Aug. 2021
Even excluding the estimate the pre-contact population of Tahiti island seems to have dropped by one half in a two generation period.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2010
Murray suffered the non-contact injury on Dec. 12 against the Patriots at State Farm Stadium and underwent surgery on Jan. 3.
—Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2023
On Friday, the Oregon Health Authority and Gov. Kate Brown lifted their mask mandate during competition for non-contact sports.
—oregonlive, 27 Apr. 2021
Stars forward Tanner Kero (concussion protocol) skated in a red, non-contact jersey during practice Tuesday, but did not participate in the scrimmage.
—Dallas News, 5 Jan. 2022
See More
Noun
Read full article He was also ordered to stay away from schools and anyone under 18, have no employment that involves contact with children, surrender his passport and be strapped with a GPS device if released, the statement said.
—Claire Law, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Mar. 2023
The new Electronic Immigration Form, requires travelers to submit their itinerary and contact information within 72 hours of arrival.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2023
This is a frustrating reversal for the US, where determined public health efforts and robust contact-tracing programs had driven congenital syphilis cases to almost historically low numbers just a decade ago.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2023
To report a raptor nest, contact Katz at raptors@friendsofgriffithpark.org, or call or text (818) 384-9493.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2023
However, Riemer held firm to her initial conclusion that the bullet entered his neck and was not a contact injury.
—Fox News, 28 Feb. 2023
Waymo says 55 percent of these minor contact events involved another driver colliding with a stationary Waymo vehicle, and 10 percent occurred at night.
—Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 28 Feb. 2023
As part of his sentence, Stacy must complete a batterer’s intervention program, avoid any hostile contact with the victim or her family and continue with counseling or therapy.
—Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2023
Most times Doncic hollered about perceived missed calls or was slow to stand after drawing contact, the Mavericks’ already shorthanded defense further wilted.
—Dallas News, 27 Feb. 2023
Verb
Anyone with information may contact Detective Frank Serra at 214-671-4320 or frank.serra@dallaspolice.gov and refer to case No. 044023-2023.
—Jamie Landers, Dallas News, 15 Mar. 2023
Please reach out to a therapist, and if the depression feels insurmountable, contact a hotline, such as the one from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 800-662-4357.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2023
Security footage from area businesses showed Millard went to a Greyhound station, where a security guard offered to either call an Uber or contact the police.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 15 Mar. 2023
For more details, contact Jane Dorian at Carolwood Estates who holds the listing.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2023
Police ask anyone with information about the Wednesday-morning shooting at the hotel to contact the East County Major Crimes Team’s lead detective, Jenn Ritschard, through the tip line: 503-926-1506.
—Savannaheadens, oregonlive, 15 Mar. 2023
Patients select the provider or pharmacy that holds their prescription and Amazon does the legwork to contact them and transfer the prescription.
—Lauren Mchugh Olende, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2023
The only way to complete the work was to contact the owners of the other unit underneath and ask for permission to enter.
—Tamara Hardingham-gill, CNN, 14 Mar. 2023
Those interested in the position of Carmel girls basketball coach should contact Inskeep via email: jinskeep@ccs.k12.in.us.
—Brian Haenchen, The Indianapolis Star, 14 Mar. 2023
Adjective
Why does a player who was placed at the scene of a fatal shooting by his lawyer casually attend meetings at The Star and take part in non-contact drills?
—Dallas News, 9 May 2022
Fredrick, who connected on 47% of his 3-pointers during two years at Iowa, said he’s participated in non-contact drills and is slowly getting back into live work.
—Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, 20 Oct. 2021
However, the veteran running back shed his red non-contact jersey.
—Mark Daniels, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2021
Even though he’s been in a non-contact jersey and worn a knee brace, Roberson has still practiced during one-on-ones and some team sessions.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 16 Aug. 2021
Even excluding the estimate the pre-contact population of Tahiti island seems to have dropped by one half in a two generation period.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2010
Murray suffered the non-contact injury on Dec. 12 against the Patriots at State Farm Stadium and underwent surgery on Jan. 3.
—Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2023
On Friday, the Oregon Health Authority and Gov. Kate Brown lifted their mask mandate during competition for non-contact sports.
—oregonlive, 27 Apr. 2021
Stars forward Tanner Kero (concussion protocol) skated in a red, non-contact jersey during practice Tuesday, but did not participate in the scrimmage.
—Dallas News, 5 Jan. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contact.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French & Latin; French, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin contāctus "touching, joining of surfaces, association," from contag-, variant stem of contingere "to be in contact with, arrive at, affect, fall to one's lot" + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at contingent entry 1
Verb
derivative of contact entry 1
Adjective
derivative of contact entry 1
First Known Use
Noun
1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1834, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense
Adjective
1859, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing contact
Articles Related to contact
Dictionary Entries Near contact
Cite this Entry
“Contact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contact. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
contact
1 of 3 noun
con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt
1
: a meeting or touching of surfaces
2
: the connection of two electrical conductors through which a current passes or a part made for such a connection
3
: a person one knows who has influence especially in the business or political world
our contacts in Los Angeles may be able to assist you
4
: an establishing of communication especially with someone or something distant
make contact by radio
5
contact
2 of 3 verb
con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt
kən-ˈtakt
1
: to bring or come into contact
2
: to get in touch or communication with
contact your local dealer for details
contact
3 of 3 adjective
con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt
: involving or acting upon contact
football and ice hockey are contact sports
contact insecticides
Etymology
Noun
from French contact or Latin contactus, both meaning "a touching of body surfaces," from Latin contingere "to have contact with, affect, happen," from con-, com- "with, together" and tangere "to touch" — related to contagious, contingent, tangent, tangible
Medical Definition
contact
1 of 2 noun
con·tact
ˈkän-ˌtakt
1
: union or junction of body surfaces
sexual contact
2
a
: the junction of two electrical conductors through which a current passes
b
: a special part that has been made for such a junction
3
: direct experience through the senses
loss of contact with reality
4
contact
2 of 2 adjective
: caused or transmitted by direct or indirect contact (as with an allergen or a contagious disease)
a contact allergy
More from Merriam-Webster on contact
Nglish: Translation of contact for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of contact for Arabic Speakers
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