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

2

: the act of correlating

correlational

ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

ˌkär-

adjective

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

Overall fat mass is correlated with disease, but correlation is not causation. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025

The 38mm stainless steel case further underscores the correlation between vintage proportions (when watches typically measured 36mm and 38mm in diameter) and modern wearability. —Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

So, a correlation of 0.65 on January 1, 2024, means that the statistical correlation over Q4 2023 between BTC and MSTR is 0.65. —Korok Ray, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

The team noticed an intriguing correlation between brain activity and memory behavior. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin correlation-, correlatio, from Latin com- + relation-, relatio relation

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing correlation

• coefficient of correlation
• correlation coefficient
• rank correlation

Rhymes for correlation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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

correlational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective