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
Industry analysts who spoke with Reuters but declined to be named were skeptical that Fishback could show a correlation between a company's hiring practices and its financial performance.
—Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024
Their research, shared with Axios, finds little correlation between total retail sales growth and the number of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024
Given the previous lack of serious head injuries to players, the study found a direct correlation between repetitive headers and poorer verbal learning performance, suggesting even seemingly benign impacts like a header can have a profound effect on the brain.
—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
In a study follow-up published in 2017, Timo Strandberg, MD, PhD, found a strong correlation between vacation time and longevity.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 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.
Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024
Their research, shared with Axios, finds little correlation between total retail sales growth and the number of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 2 Dec. 2024
Given the previous lack of serious head injuries to players, the study found a direct correlation between repetitive headers and poorer verbal learning performance, suggesting even seemingly benign impacts like a header can have a profound effect on the brain.
—New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
In a study follow-up published in 2017, Timo Strandberg, MD, PhD, found a strong correlation between vacation time and longevity.
—Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 27 Nov. 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 Dec. 2024.
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