correlation
noun
cor·re·la·tion
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən 
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
James B. Conant 2
: the act of correlating
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
Below is some correlation data based on 5-year and 3-year (more recent) history.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
A number of other studies have shown a correlation between receiving the shingles vaccine and lower rates of dementia.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 28 May 2025
Line chart of Manchester United plc share price, where current price is near identical to $14 IPO price in August 2012, and there's little correlation to football results.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Gut health has been a hot topic in the wellness community, as experts believe there’s a correlation between gut, brain, and even emotional health.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
A number of other studies have shown a correlation between receiving the shingles vaccine and lower rates of dementia.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 28 May 2025
Line chart of Manchester United plc share price, where current price is near identical to $14 IPO price in August 2012, and there's little correlation to football results.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Gut health has been a hot topic in the wellness community, as experts believe there’s a correlation between gut, brain, and even emotional health.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
correlation
noun
cor·re·la·tion
ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən
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
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