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
There may be a correlation between early mortality and self-identity among first responders.
—Roberto Rivera, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Research also found a troubling correlation between the receipt of these funds and the erosion of free speech norms, alongside a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The report is one of many studies that have found a correlation between between gun laws and gun deaths, according to Robert Spitzer, professor emeritus of political science at the State University of New York, Cortland.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
This trend reflects the positive correlation between bitcoin’s rising price and miner revenue, even as the broader economic landscape remains volatile.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for correlation 
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.
Roberto Rivera, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
Research also found a troubling correlation between the receipt of these funds and the erosion of free speech norms, alongside a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The report is one of many studies that have found a correlation between between gun laws and gun deaths, according to Robert Spitzer, professor emeritus of political science at the State University of New York, Cortland.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
This trend reflects the positive correlation between bitcoin’s rising price and miner revenue, even as the broader economic landscape remains volatile.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for correlation
Dictionary Entries Near correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 22 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share