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
Synonyms
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
There is no linkage established to a foreign actor at this point.
—
CBS News, 5 Jan. 2025
Shifting with manual BMWs has always had a wonderful, mechanical feel, and the linkage and bushings unique to the Handschalter package only improve upon that tradition.
—Nick Czap, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
Such a strategy would prioritize maintaining or strengthening economic and diplomatic linkages between the United States and Venezuela—the types of connections that can empower stakeholders committed to fostering a democratic transition.
—Francisco Rodríguez, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2024
During the covid pandemic, Apple and Google collaborated on contact tracing warnings, providing a standard linkage between their two ecosystems.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linkage 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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CBS News, 5 Jan. 2025
Shifting with manual BMWs has always had a wonderful, mechanical feel, and the linkage and bushings unique to the Handschalter package only improve upon that tradition.
—Nick Czap, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024
Such a strategy would prioritize maintaining or strengthening economic and diplomatic linkages between the United States and Venezuela—the types of connections that can empower stakeholders committed to fostering a democratic transition.
—Francisco Rodríguez, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2024
During the covid pandemic, Apple and Google collaborated on contact tracing warnings, providing a standard linkage between their two ecosystems.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linkage
Dictionary Entries Near linkage
Cite this Entry
“Linkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linkage. Accessed 12 Jan. 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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