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
Note that the correlation 1D_5D pertains to the relationship between 1D post-earnings returns and subsequent 5D returns.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Hutchinson's trial judge rejected that, instead agreeing with two prosecution psychologists and saying that no correlation between Hutchinson's diagnosis and the murders had been established, reported the Lakeland Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network.
—James Powel, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Several studies have found a correlation between HSV-1 infection and tau proteins, which play a major role in Alzheimer's progression.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
There is a direct correlation between the number of theatrical releases and the strength of the overall box office.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
Hutchinson's trial judge rejected that, instead agreeing with two prosecution psychologists and saying that no correlation between Hutchinson's diagnosis and the murders had been established, reported the Lakeland Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network.
—James Powel, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Several studies have found a correlation between HSV-1 infection and tau proteins, which play a major role in Alzheimer's progression.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025
There is a direct correlation between the number of theatrical releases and the strength of the overall box office.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 8 May. 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
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