correlation

noun

cor·​re·​la·​tion ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce correlation (audio)
ˌkär-
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 … James B. Conant
2
: the act of correlating
correlational
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shnəl How to pronounce correlation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
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.
But even putting that aside, the real direct correlation between guild awards and the Oscars is with predicting the nominations, not the winners. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025 Researching Personal Health For some researchers, there’s more to finding a simple correlation between food preference and temperament. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 Gold has a low correlation with traditional assets like stocks and bonds, meaning its price often moves independently of broader markets. Gabriel O Rodríguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 This correlation showed the risk the states would have on both imports and exports to the three countries. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on correlation

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