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 also a direct correlation between minority locales and people with lower incomes.
—Harry Weller, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 2025
While data is limited, a growing body of research suggests that there is a direct correlation between the two.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025
Since the 1970s, its monthly correlations with the S&P 500 and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index have been just 0.01 and 0.09, respectively.
—Bob Haber, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Some researchers have looked for a potential correlation, and one study — conducted in Sweden with data collected since the 1970s, in a broader effort to measure the mortality of trans people — showed mixed evidence.
—David Ingram, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Harry Weller, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 2025
While data is limited, a growing body of research suggests that there is a direct correlation between the two.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025
Since the 1970s, its monthly correlations with the S&P 500 and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index have been just 0.01 and 0.09, respectively.
—Bob Haber, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
Some researchers have looked for a potential correlation, and one study — conducted in Sweden with data collected since the 1970s, in a broader effort to measure the mortality of trans people — showed mixed evidence.
—David Ingram, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for correlation
Dictionary Entries Near correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.
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