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
Big data excels at identifying correlations within existing datasets.
—Jay Patel, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Like many varieties of food dyes, there has been some correlation to tumors and cancer cells, according to a study from the Center for Science in Public Interest.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Subsequent studies appeared to affirm the correlation, strengthening the belief among the general public about the benefits of red wine.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Support for accommodating vaccine exemptions in schoolchildren has risen over the past decade, even as experts point to a strong correlation between lower vaccination rates and a recurrence of the disease.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for correlation
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Jay Patel, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Like many varieties of food dyes, there has been some correlation to tumors and cancer cells, according to a study from the Center for Science in Public Interest.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
Subsequent studies appeared to affirm the correlation, strengthening the belief among the general public about the benefits of red wine.
—Dylan Scott, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Support for accommodating vaccine exemptions in schoolchildren has risen over the past decade, even as experts point to a strong correlation between lower vaccination rates and a recurrence of the disease.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 13 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 31 Mar. 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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