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 … —
J. B. Conant
J. 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
Studies show just correlation, so far Experts say the latest data is still far from being able to conclude that GLP-1s are effective treatments for cancer.
—Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 9 June 2026
Its security analysis assumes a worst-case scenario in which an attacker may possess quantum correlations with the detector itself.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
The study only shows correlation, not causation.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
The study found a correlation between menstrual cups and discs and reduced symptoms, but more research is required to prove causation.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 9 June 2026
Its security analysis assumes a worst-case scenario in which an attacker may possess quantum correlations with the detector itself.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
The study only shows correlation, not causation.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
The study found a correlation between menstrual cups and discs and reduced symptoms, but more research is required to prove causation.
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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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