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
On Results Some companies may not see a direct correlation between hiring coaches and the impact on their business results.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Lottery officials said there is a clear correlation between bigger jackpots and higher sales, but not everyone who plays is swayed by the bigger pots.
—Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Drawing a direct correlation between cannabis and crime, Wolff endeared himself to Anslinger by claiming without the slightest evidence to have identified 200 million cannabis addicts worldwide, each one a dire threat to American values.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Big Wheel's rotational velocity also aligns with the local Tully-Fisher relationship, a correlation between the size and rotation speed of galaxies observed today.
—Larissa G. Capella, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Lottery officials said there is a clear correlation between bigger jackpots and higher sales, but not everyone who plays is swayed by the bigger pots.
—Scott McFetridge, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Drawing a direct correlation between cannabis and crime, Wolff endeared himself to Anslinger by claiming without the slightest evidence to have identified 200 million cannabis addicts worldwide, each one a dire threat to American values.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Big Wheel's rotational velocity also aligns with the local Tully-Fisher relationship, a correlation between the size and rotation speed of galaxies observed today.
—Larissa G. Capella, Space.com, 4 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 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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