relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms

• applicability
• bearing
• connection
• materiality
• pertinence
• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Contacted about these military criminal charges and his 2019 court-martial, Nelson downplayed their relevance to his life now. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025

The film’s relevance has grown as President Trump has raised concerns in Panama by suggesting that the U.S. might reclaim control of the Panama Canal. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 31 Mar. 2025

The intersection of crayons and cannabis culture showcases the evolving nature of art and societal trends, reflecting how traditional tools can find new relevance in contemporary contexts. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025

Zoom out: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been a lightning rod for controversy, as many music critics and musicians alike have questioned their authority and relevance over the years. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for relevance

• irrelevance

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted