connection

noun

con·​nec·​tion kə-ˈnek-shən 

1

: the act of connecting : the state of being connected: such as

a

: causal or logical relation or sequence

the connection between two ideas

b(1)

: contextual relation or association

In this connection the word has a different meaning.

(2)

: relationship in fact

wanted in connection with a robbery

c

: a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties)

Family connections can make getting a job much easier.

d

: coherence, continuity

… a confused multitude without order or connection.

—John Locke

2

a

: something that connects : link

a loose connection in the wiring

b

: a means of communication or transport

a telephone connection

3

: a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest

has powerful connections

4

: a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship

The school has no connection with the museum.

: such as

a

: position, job

b

: an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another

a firm's foreign connections

c

: a source of contraband (such as illegal drugs)

5

: a set of persons associated together: such as

a

: denomination

b

: clan

connectional

kə-ˈnek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• affinity
• association
• bearing
• kinship
• liaison
• linkage
• relation
• relationship

Examples of connection in a Sentence

The state plans to improve roads that serve as connections between major highways.

There is a fee for connection to the town's water supply.

All classrooms will be wired for connection to the Internet.

connections between thought and language

Investigators found no connection between the two fires.

The school has no connection with the museum.

Evidence suggests there's a connection between the languages.

I'm not sure I see the connection.

Our family feels a deep connection to the land.

the connection between smoking and lung cancer

Recent Examples on the Web

And remember: The goal is to foster connection, not to shock or overwhelm nor underwhelm and be invisible. Authenticity In Leaders: Creating A Culture Of Trust And Innovation For leaders, the rules for bringing your whole self to work differ slightly. —Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

While some couples might be able to pull strings from a personal friend of the artist, entertainment groups can help liaise connections even further. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025

An extension would lower his 2025 salary-cap figure, now $25.5 million, and reward an All-Pro receiver who provided the leadership Washington’s new staff desired and a thrilling connection with the Offensive Rookie of the Year. 3. —Ben Standig, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025

Exhibitors unveil detailed project insights, forge connections with potential partners and buyers, and adorn the platform with exciting promotional materials, sculpting a streamlined path to flourishing business alliances. —Partner Content, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin connexion-, connexio, from conectere — see connect

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing connection

• bad connection
• in connection with
• make a/the connection
• necessary connection

Rhymes for connection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connexion
• convection
• correction
• defection

Kids Definition

connection

noun

con·​nec·​tion kə-ˈnek-shən 

1

: the act of connecting

2

: the fact or condition of being connected : relationship

the connection between dirt and disease

3

a

: a thing that connects

b

: a means of communication

a bad telephone connection

c

: a means of continuing a trip (as by train)

4

a

: a person connected with others (as by kinship)

b

: a social, professional, or commercial relationship