correlation

noun

cor·​re·​la·​tion ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce correlation (audio)
ˌkär-
Synonyms of correlation
1
: the state or relation of being correlated
specifically : a relation existing between phenomena or things or between mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone
… the obviously high positive correlation between scholastic aptitude and college entrance … —J. B. Conant
2
: the act of correlating
correlational
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce correlation (audio)
ˌkär-
adjective

Examples of correlation in a Sentence

the correlation of brain size and intelligence Researchers have found a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer. She says that there's no correlation between being thin and being happy.
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.
Observational data can show correlation — that people taking GLP-1s were perhaps more likely to have this eye complication occur — but not causation. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026 Although insider trading generally can have a correlation with future returns in the market broadly, Seyhun says banks are among the weakest areas for that kind of prediction. — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 But because the study was observational, the results only demonstrate a correlation between ADHD and cognitive impairment, not that ADHD causes it. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Yet there is little correlation between a batter’s ability to crush the ball and his ability to discern a ball from a strike when a pitch is only an inch or so inside or outside the strike zone. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for correlation

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin correlation-, correlatio, from Latin com- + relation-, relatio relation

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of correlation was in 1561

Phrases Containing correlation

Rhymes for correlation

See All Rhymes for correlation

Browse Nearby Words

correlate
correlation
correlational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

correlation

noun
cor·​re·​la·​tion ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce correlation (audio)
ˌkär-
1
: the act or process of correlating
2
: the state of being correlated
especially : a mutual relation discovered to exist between things
the correlation between smoking and lung cancer
correlational
-shnəl How to pronounce correlation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

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