conjunction

noun

con·​junc·​tion kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce conjunction (audio)
1
: an uninflected linguistic form that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words
Some common conjunctions are "and," "but," and "although."
2
: the act or an instance of conjoining : the state of being conjoined : combination
working in conjunction with state and local authorities
3
: occurrence together in time or space : concurrence
a conjunction of events
4
a
: the apparent meeting or passing of two or more celestial bodies in the same degree of the zodiac
b
: a configuration in which two celestial bodies have their least apparent separation
a conjunction of Mars and Jupiter
5
: a complex sentence in logic true if and only if each of its components is true see Truth Table
conjunctional adjective
conjunctionally adverb

Did you know?

What is a conjunction?

Conjunctions are words that join together other words or groups of words.

A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, and clauses of equal importance. The main coordinating conjunctions are and, or, and but.

They bought apples, pears, and oranges.

You can wait either on the steps or in the car.

The paintings are pleasant but bland.

When placed at the beginning of a sentence, a coordinating conjunction may also link two sentences or paragraphs.

The preparations were complete. But where were the guests?

She told him that he would have to work to earn her trust. And he proceeded to do just that.

A subordinating conjunction introduces a subordinate clause (a clause that does not form a simple sentence by itself) and joins it to a main clause (a clause that can be used as a simple sentence by itself).

She waited until they were seated.

It had been quiet since the children left.

Some conjunctions are used in pairs. The most common pairs are either ... or, both ... and, neither ... nor, and not only ... but (also).

They could either continue searching or go to the police.

Both Clara and Jeanette graduated from Stanford.

He could neither sing nor dance.

Not only the money but also the jewelry had been found.

Some adverbs, such as afterwards, consequently, for example, however, nonetheless, and therefore, act like conjunctions by linking either two main clauses separated by a semicolon, or two separate sentences. They express some effect that the first clause or sentence has on the second one.

They didn't agree; however, each understood the other's opinion.

We'll probably regret it; still, we really have no choice.

The team has won its last three games. Thus, its record for the year is now 15-12.

Examples of conjunction in a Sentence

Some common conjunctions are “and,” “but,” and “although.” the conjunction of the two major highways creates a massive influx of cars into the city
Recent Examples on the Web Racing in Northern California started in the 1930s with the fair circuit, a series of small meets held in conjunction with county fairs. John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024 The French filmmaker, working in perfect conjunction with star Kristen Stewart, who has never been better, crafts a film about loss, fear, and longing. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 7 June 2024 Some of that work was done in conjunction with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, a Chinese-government laboratory that many Republicans believe may have started the pandemic. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 2 June 2024 The planetary alignment, or what astronomers call conjunction, according to NASA, will occur across the massive swath of sky in the Northern Hemisphere. Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 28 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for conjunction 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conjunction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see conjunct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of conjunction was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near conjunction

Cite this Entry

“Conjunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conjunction. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

conjunction

noun
con·​junc·​tion kən-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən How to pronounce conjunction (audio)
1
: a joining together
2
: a word or expression that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

More from Merriam-Webster on conjunction

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