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
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
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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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
See All Example Sentences for correlation
Cite this Entry
“Correlation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/correlation. Accessed 2 Apr. 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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