connection

noun

con·​nec·​tion kə-ˈnek-shən How to pronounce connection (audio)
Synonyms of connectionnext
1
: the act of connecting : the state of being connected: such as
a
: causal or logical relation or sequence
the connection between two ideas
b(1)
: contextual relation or association
In this connection the word has a different meaning.
(2)
: relationship in fact
wanted in connection with a robbery
c
: a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties)
Family connections can make getting a job much easier.
d
: coherence, continuity
… a confused multitude without order or connection.—John Locke
2
a
: something that connects : link
a loose connection in the wiring
b
: a means of communication or transport
a telephone connection
3
: a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest
has powerful connections
4
: a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship
The school has no connection with the museum.
: such as
a
: position, job
b
: an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another
a firm's foreign connections
c
: a source of contraband (such as illegal drugs)
5
: a set of persons associated together: such as
a
: denomination
b
: clan
connectional
kə-ˈnek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce connection (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of connection

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Examples of connection in a Sentence

The state plans to improve roads that serve as connections between major highways. There is a fee for connection to the town's water supply. All classrooms will be wired for connection to the Internet. connections between thought and language Investigators found no connection between the two fires. The school has no connection with the museum. Evidence suggests there's a connection between the languages. I'm not sure I see the connection. Our family feels a deep connection to the land. the connection between smoking and lung cancer
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.
During the early stages of their first camp together last summer, Williams had his concerns about how his connection with Johnson would evolve. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 The facilities would include what’s known as an edge computing data center, which typically is much smaller than traditional data centers and which Global Stack says would require lower utility use and no municipal water connection. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Masterson’s detractors have seized on the rebrand as an attempt to minimize his connection to Trump in a year when national Republicans worry the president’s polarizing leadership could cost the party majorities in the House and Senate. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2026 One lifetime purchase supports up to 15 simultaneous connections. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connection

Word History

Etymology

Latin connexion-, connexio, from conectere — see connect

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of connection was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing connection

Rhymes for connection

See All Rhymes for connection

Browse Nearby Words

connecting rod
connection
connectionism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Connection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connection. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

connection

noun
con·​nec·​tion kə-ˈnek-shən How to pronounce connection (audio)
1
: the act of connecting
2
: the fact or condition of being connected : relationship
the connection between dirt and disease
3
a
: a thing that connects
b
: a means of communication
a bad telephone connection
c
: a means of continuing a trip (as by train)
4
a
: a person connected with others (as by kinship)
b
: a social, professional, or commercial relationship
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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