interaction

noun

in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈak-shən How to pronounce interaction (audio)
: mutual or reciprocal action or influence
interactional adjective

Examples of interaction in a Sentence

she guessed from the friendly interaction that they were close to the other parents in the organization
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 2022, a study published in the journal Animal Cognition saw a group of canines presented with a social interaction between two people that was either positive, negative or neutral. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025 When describing the president’s interactions with his Russian counterpart, the White House has projected sunny optimism. Noah Rothman, National Review, 14 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, social interactions—barring daytrips and sporadic family visits—were largely restricted to colleagues. Charlie Campbell / Koh Samui, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 These storms trigger interactions between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the sun, resulting in the stunning colors that light up the sky. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for interaction 

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interaction was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near interaction

Cite this Entry

“Interaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interaction. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

interaction

noun
in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən How to pronounce interaction (audio)
: the action or influence of people, groups, or things on one another
interactional
-shnəl How to pronounce interaction (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

interaction

noun
in·​ter·​ac·​tion ˌint-ə-ˈrak-shən How to pronounce interaction (audio)
: mutual or reciprocal action or influence
interaction of the heart and lungs
interactional adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interaction

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