linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner or style of being united: such as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
2
: the quality or state of being linked
especially : the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2
3
: a system of links
especially : a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced
4
5
: the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

Examples of linkage in a Sentence

linkages between population growth and disease the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies
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.
Gallup data shows that engaged teams have 10% higher customer scores, with some studies also showing linkages to EPS (earnings per share). Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Environmental groups warn that further delays to reauthorization would get California further off-track with its climate goals, and endanger ‘linkages’ with other domestic and international cap-and-trade programs. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Human social organization is characterized by groups that have linkages between them that form larger communities, notes Seyfarth. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025 Pynchon’s Orphic characters are often detectives who are tuned to the right the spiritual right frequency, discovering clues and linkages of the system without ever beholding the entire totality. Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for linkage

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linkage was in 1874

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Linkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linkage. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

linkage

noun
link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner or style of being united: as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
2
: the quality or state of being linked
especially : the occurring together of genes on the same chromosome with the result that the traits they control are not inherited independently of each other but tend to be found together
3
: a system of links
especially : a system of links or bars jointed together by means of which lines or curves may be traced

Medical Definition

linkage

noun
link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are connected by chemical bonds in a molecule
2
: the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on linkage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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