relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s How to pronounce relevance (audio)
1
a
: relation to the matter at hand
b
: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence
giving relevance to college courses
2
: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.
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.
But for a franchise that has lagged behind its rivals for decades, a win could finally signal an era of relevance. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 Judges are looking for relevance to neuroscience, creativity, accurate interpretation of data and quality of the research report. Kristen Moon, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Slipknot have since gone multi-platinum, founded their own music festival, and stretched far beyond their parochial metal scene into persistent cultural relevance. Emma Madden, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 While reflecting on her decision to direct the film in addition to starring in it, Kendrick told Entertainment Weekly that the story intrigued her because of its continued relevance in dating culture. Shania Russell, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relevance 

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of relevance was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near relevance

Cite this Entry

“Relevance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relevance. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

relevance

noun
rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s How to pronounce relevance (audio)
: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun
rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns How to pronounce relevance (audio)
: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand
ruled on the relevance of the testimony
relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted

More from Merriam-Webster on relevance

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