connect

verb

con·​nect kə-ˈnekt 

connected; connecting; connects

intransitive verb

1

: to become joined

The two rooms connect by a hallway.

ideas that connect easily to form a theory

2

a

: to meet for the transference of passengers

connecting flights

b

: to transfer (as from one airplane to another) as a step in traveling to a final destination

passengers connecting with international flights

3

: to make a successful hit, shot, or throw

connected for a home run

He connected on 60 percent of his shots.

4

: to have or establish a rapport

tried to connect with the younger generation

5

: to establish a communications connection

connect to the Internet

transitive verb

1

: to join or fasten together usually by something intervening

A highway connects the two towns.

2

: to place or establish in relationship

Police were unable to connect her to the crime.

connectable adjective

or less commonly connectible

kə-ˈnek-tə-bəl 

connector noun

or less commonly connecter

kə-ˈnek-tər 

Phrases

connect the dots

: to link together logically related elements in order to draw a conclusion

trying to connect the dots in the investigation

Synonyms

• catenate
• chain
• compound
• concatenate
• conjugate
• couple
• hitch
• hook
• interconnect
• interlink
• join
• link
• yoke

Choose the Right Synonym for connect

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union.

join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

Examples of connect in a Sentence

Can you connect the hose to the sprinkler?

Connect the cable to the battery.

A hallway connects the two rooms.

It's the major highway connecting the two towns.

A common theme connects the stories.

The two bones connect at the elbow.

The hose connects easily to the sprinkler.

The bedroom connects to the kitchen.

I never connected you with that group of people.

There's no evidence connecting the company directly to the scandal.

Recent Examples on the Web

The new railways, proposed by the Mexican government, would connect to the U.S. at two points along the southern border, providing direct connections from American cities to Mexico's capital. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

As a team, the Terps connected on 5 of 13 attempts from 3-point range by halftime before cooling off in the second, finishing 7-for-25. —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024

The glasses connect to a source device over USB-C for compatibility with just about any device with video-out functionality over USB-C – and that could include an iPhone, Android devices, the Steam Deck, a Windows PC and a MacBook. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 5 Dec. 2024

The sign connects to the family’s sacrifices to ensure the baby is in good company and surrounded by warmth. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin conectere, connectere, from com- + nectere to bind

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing connect

• connect up

Kids Definition

connect

verb

con·​nect kə-ˈnekt 

1

: to join or link together directly or by something coming between : unite

towns connected by a railroad

the two bones connect at the elbow

2

: to attach by personal relationship

connected by marriage

3

: to bring together in thought

connect the smell of burning leaves with childhood

4

: to be related

an event connected with our success

5

: to establish a means of communication

connect to the Internet

connector noun

also connecter

-ˈnek-tər