link

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈliŋk 

1

: a connecting structure: such as

a(1)

: a single ring or division of a chain

(2)

: one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length

b

: cuff link

c

: bond sense 3c

d

: an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion

especially : a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end

e

: the fusible member of an electrical fuse

2

: something analogous to a link of chain: such as

a

: a segment of sausage in a chain

b

: a connecting element or factor

found a link between smoking and cancer

c

: a unit in a communication system

d

: an identifier attached to an element in a system (such as an index term in a database) in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements

especially : one (such as a hyperlink) in a computer file

link

2 of 4

verb (1)

linked; linking; links

transitive verb

: to couple or connect by or as if by a link

intransitive verb

: to become connected by or as if by a link

—often used with up

the band linked up with a new record label

linker noun

link

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets

link

4 of 4

verb (2)

linked; linking; links

intransitive verb

Scotland

: to skip smartly along

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• banger [British]
• sausage
• wurst

Verb (1)

• catenate
• chain
• compound
• concatenate
• conjugate
• connect
• couple
• hitch
• hook
• interconnect
• interlink
• join
• yoke

Choose the Right Synonym for link

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union.

join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

Examples of link in a Sentence

Noun (1)

I like to put maple syrup on my breakfast links

those old love letters were her only remaining link with her late grandparents

Verb (1)

she linked the flowers together to form a long chain

since childhood I have always linked trips to the beach with the discomforts of sunburn and sand in my clothes

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The claim: Image shows protesters in South Korea marching toward presidential palace in December 2024 A Dec. 4 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) includes an aerial image that shows a mass of demonstrators in a city. —Andre Byik, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

While the link doesn’t prove causation, having an excess of thyroid hormone can lead to a breakdown of bone tissue, resulting in osteoporosis. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

Verb

Dozens of people have been sickened nationwide by salmonella linked to the Sunfed cucumbers since the recall was announced late last month. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

The Modern Persian Cat Isn’t All That Persian The Persian cat’s name evokes visions of grandeur and a rich heritage linked to Persia (modern-day Iran), but today’s Persian is anything but Persian in its origins. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hlekkr chain; akin to Old English hlanc lank

Noun (2)

perhaps modification of Medieval Latin linchinus candle, alteration of Latin lychnus, from Greek lychnos; akin to Greek leukos white — more at light

Verb (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1526, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1715, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing link

• chain-link fence
• cross-link
• cuff link
• hot link
• link arms
• missing link
• weakest link
• weak link

Kids Definition

link

1 of 2 verb

ˈliŋk 

: to join by or as if by a link

linker noun

link

2 of 2 noun

1

: a connecting structure: as

a

: a single ring of a chain

b

: cuff link

c

: bond entry 1 sense 2b

d

: an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion

2

: something resembling a link of chain: as

a

: a piece of sausage in a series of connected pieces

b

: a connecting element or factor

found a link between smoking and cancer

c

: hyperlink