1
: the manner or style of being united: such as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
b
2
: the quality or state of being linked
especially
: the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2
3
: a system of links
especially
: a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced
4
5
: the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another
Examples of linkage in a Sentence
linkages between population growth and disease
the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies
Recent Examples on the Web
Sakamoto noted that Japan’s participation aims to deepen industry linkages and promote international collaboration.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
While Gandy played twice in the state of California during his three seasons with the Falcons, there’s an insufficient linkage between the Falcons and California for purposes of workers’ comp coverage.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025
The linkage of extremist speech to lethal violence has prompted calls to legally restrict or punish extremist speech.
—Gregory P. Magarian, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
If ceramic cooking pots from different locations were made out of the same clay or decorated similarly, for instance, that would suggest there may have been social linkages between the communities that fashioned the pots.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linkage
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
While Gandy played twice in the state of California during his three seasons with the Falcons, there’s an insufficient linkage between the Falcons and California for purposes of workers’ comp coverage.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025
The linkage of extremist speech to lethal violence has prompted calls to legally restrict or punish extremist speech.
—Gregory P. Magarian, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
If ceramic cooking pots from different locations were made out of the same clay or decorated similarly, for instance, that would suggest there may have been social linkages between the communities that fashioned the pots.
—Ari Daniel, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linkage
Cite this Entry
“Linkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linkage. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
linkage
noun
link·age
ˈliŋ-kij 
1
: the manner or style of being united: as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
2
: the quality or state of being linked
especially
: the occurring together of genes on the same chromosome with the result that the traits they control are not inherited independently of each other but tend to be found together
3
: a system of links
especially
: a system of links or bars jointed together by means of which lines or curves may be traced
Medical Definition
linkage
noun
link·age
ˈliŋ-kij
1
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are connected by chemical bonds in a molecule
2
: the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2
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