connection

noun

con·​nec·​tion kə-ˈnek-shən 

1

: the act of connecting : the state of being connected: such as

a

: causal or logical relation or sequence

the connection between two ideas

b(1)

: contextual relation or association

In this connection the word has a different meaning.

(2)

: relationship in fact

wanted in connection with a robbery

c

: a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties)

Family connections can make getting a job much easier.

d

: coherence, continuity

… a confused multitude without order or connection.

—John Locke

2

a

: something that connects : link

a loose connection in the wiring

b

: a means of communication or transport

a telephone connection

3

: a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest

has powerful connections

4

: a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship

The school has no connection with the museum.

: such as

a

: position, job

b

: an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another

a firm's foreign connections

c

: a source of contraband (such as illegal drugs)

5

: a set of persons associated together: such as

a

: denomination

b

: clan

connectional

kə-ˈnek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• affinity
• association
• bearing
• kinship
• liaison
• linkage
• relation
• relationship

Examples of connection in a Sentence

The state plans to improve roads that serve as connections between major highways.

There is a fee for connection to the town's water supply.

All classrooms will be wired for connection to the Internet.

connections between thought and language

Investigators found no connection between the two fires.

The school has no connection with the museum.

Evidence suggests there's a connection between the languages.

I'm not sure I see the connection.

Our family feels a deep connection to the land.

the connection between smoking and lung cancer

Recent Examples on the Web

Alongside pictures of her sister kissing her cheek and Traci's son Kevin Surratt Jr. kissing her urn, Towanda, 51, reflected on the special connection the two shared. —Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Think of Central Perk from the TV show Friends — the coffee shop where the characters gathered daily, not just for coffee but for connection, comfort and a break from their everyday lives. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

With close ties to the community, he's become a connection point for any kind of care. —James Brown, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025

Besides the outstanding form the striker has shown in recent weeks, he’s had a special connection with the Copa del Rey this season. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin connexion-, connexio, from conectere — see connect

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing connection

• bad connection
• in connection with
• make a/the connection
• necessary connection

Rhymes for connection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connexion
• convection
• correction
• defection

Kids Definition

connection

noun

con·​nec·​tion kə-ˈnek-shən 

1

: the act of connecting

2

: the fact or condition of being connected : relationship

the connection between dirt and disease

3

a

: a thing that connects

b

: a means of communication

a bad telephone connection

c

: a means of continuing a trip (as by train)

4

a

: a person connected with others (as by kinship)

b

: a social, professional, or commercial relationship