link

1 of 4

noun (1)

1
: a connecting structure: such as
a(1)
: a single ring or division of a chain
(2)
: one of the standardized divisions of a surveyor's chain that is 7.92 inches (20.1 centimeters) long and serves as a measure of length
b
d
: an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
especially : a short connecting rod with a hole or pin at each end
e
: the fusible member of an electrical fuse
2
: something analogous to a link of chain: such as
a
: a segment of sausage in a chain
b
: a connecting element or factor
found a link between smoking and cancer
c
: a unit in a communication system
d
: an identifier attached to an element in a system (such as an index term in a database) in order to indicate or permit connection with other similarly identified elements
especially : one (such as a hyperlink) in a computer file

link

2 of 4

verb (1)

linked; linking; links

transitive verb

: to couple or connect by or as if by a link

intransitive verb

: to become connected by or as if by a link
often used with up
the band linked up with a new record label
linker noun

link

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a torch formerly used to light a person's way through the streets

link

4 of 4

verb (2)

linked; linking; links

intransitive verb

Scotland
: to skip smartly along
Choose the Right Synonym for link

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union.

join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

joined forces in an effort to win

combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

combined jazz and rock to create a new music

unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

the colonies united to form a republic

connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

a name forever linked with liberty

associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

opera is popularly associated with high society

relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

related what he observed to what he already knew

Examples of link in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The 55-piece collection also includes mixed-metal accessories, such as chunky chain necklaces, link bracelets, chain earrings and belts; oversized and mini tote bags in natural woven fibers and silk; and leather heels and sandals in black and brown. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024 Google collects billions of dollars in revenue from ads that accompany searches on its platform, including ads that accompany links to news articles. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 23 Apr. 2024 Many of these have links to China, according to the sanctions. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 22 Apr. 2024 The new page features a log of their latest endeavors and projects, biographies and links to their Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions hub. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024 To find the full list of previous Powerball winners, click the link to the lottery's website. USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024 Admission is free; register for the Zoom link by April 24 at nsdcgs.org. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024 This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 20 Apr. 2024 Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, which provides about 20,000 jobs to the area. Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
Verb
Detectives linked Ocasio Justiniano to Guerrero De Aguasvivas’ killing because his red Toyota Corolla was found at the murder scene of Juan Luis Cintron Garcia, a tow truck driver, in Orange County, Lemma said. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024 Patrick has been linked to a handful of celebrities Alwyn is not the only one to experience a high-profile relationship; Patrick has been attached to some big names himself. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024 This bilateral dealmaking has been accompanied by Chinese officials’ efforts to link the BRI to other regional development efforts, such as the Master Plan on Connectivity 2025 created by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024 That’s linked it inextricably to swaths of the U.S. economy, from millions of content creators to small business owners that rely on the platform. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024 Forensic analysis linked Frank’s .25-caliber Beretta semi-automatic handgun to the shootings, prosecutors said. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 23 Apr. 2024 In fact, the emulator has its own video tutorial available linked in-app. Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 22 Apr. 2024 According to the White House, young Americans who take part in the program can also get linked up with training to help land apprenticeship positions through a partnership with the North America's Building Trades Unions. Elena Moore, NPR, 22 Apr. 2024 Although Israel has attacked a number of targets linked to Iran in recent years, primarily as part of its efforts to disrupt arms transfers to Hezbollah and other proxy groups in the region, the Israeli military has not taken credit for the incident in Damascus, which occurred on April 1. Shannon K. Crawford, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'link.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hlekkr chain; akin to Old English hlanc lank

Noun (2)

perhaps modification of Medieval Latin linchinus candle, alteration of Latin lychnus, from Greek lychnos; akin to Greek leukos white — more at light

Verb (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1526, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of link was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near link

Cite this Entry

“Link.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/link. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

link

1 of 2 verb
: to join by or as if by a link
linker noun

link

2 of 2 noun
1
: a connecting structure: as
a
: a single ring of a chain
b
d
: an intermediate rod or piece for transmitting force or motion
2
: something resembling a link of chain: as
a
: a piece of sausage in a series of connected pieces
b
: a connecting element or factor
found a link between smoking and cancer
c

More from Merriam-Webster on link

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