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 is a strong correlation between SAD and various factors, such as abnormal sleep, circadian rhythms, and insufficient sunlight exposure.
—Sophie Okolo, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Miller also examined all elections since 1960, and found a close correlation between the a candidate’s share of the overall ballots cast nationwide, and their percentage of the 535 EVs that decide the winner.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
In pairs trading, a trader may bet that this divergence is temporary and that the prices will converge again; this is frequently a short-term bet based on correlations and price behavior.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024
The more accurate correlation involved points in the paint.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation 
Sophie Okolo, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Miller also examined all elections since 1960, and found a close correlation between the a candidate’s share of the overall ballots cast nationwide, and their percentage of the 535 EVs that decide the winner.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
In pairs trading, a trader may bet that this divergence is temporary and that the prices will converge again; this is frequently a short-term bet based on correlations and price behavior.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024
The more accurate correlation involved points in the paint.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'correlation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
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