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relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship | \ ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio) \

Definition of relationship

1 : the state of being related or interrelated studied the relationship between the variables
2 : the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: such as
a : kinship
b : a specific instance or type of kinship
3a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings had a good relationship with his family
b : a romantic or passionate attachment
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about relationship

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Examples of relationship in a Sentence

The relationship between the two countries has improved. She has a close relationship with her sister. She has had many bad relationships. I am not in a relationship right now. the relationship between mental and physical health “What is your relationship to the witness?” “He is my father.”
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Each chapter obliquely touches on an atypical relationship, beginning with the two-couple commune of Los Angeles’s 1922 Schindler House three years ago. — Vogue, "With a New Dance Series, Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye Becomes an Unlikely Stage," 23 Aug. 2019 Vaccine skeptics decried the bill as a violation of the doctor-patient relationship and have protested for months at the Capitol. — Alexei Koseff, SFChronicle.com, "Anti-vaxxer arrested for shoving pro-vaccine California state Sen. Richard Pan on street," 21 Aug. 2019 That suspension of reality is what made The Bell such a genius brand activation and only a subpar hotel, at least for this crabby journalist with a tenuous relationship with the franchise (and fast food in general). — Mitchell Kuga, Condé Nast Traveler, "A Stay at the Taco Bell Hotel in Palm Springs," 21 Aug. 2019 The new shopping experience is part of Walmart’s deepening relationship with Tasty. — Doreen Christensen, sun-sentinel.com, "Walmart now lets you instantly purchase ingredients in Buzzfeed’s Tasty videos," 20 Aug. 2019 The police’s relationship with the people, especially young people, will take years to repair. — The Economist, "Hong Kong’s reputation is being damaged," 20 Aug. 2019 A month later, Lauth was barred from competing at SmashCon and other events due to fixing matches as a part of that relationship. — Steven T. Wright, The Verge, "How fighting game tournaments are dealing with toxic and unruly players," 16 Aug. 2019 And last Monday was probably the most telling demonstration of that relationship. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, "A Kashmiri Novelist on a State Under Siege," 16 Aug. 2019 The dynamics of the household are presented sketchily if at all, but Martin appears now to be in a sort of relationship with Keesha (Justine Skye), a dancer at a local strip club. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Already Gone': Film Review," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'relationship.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of relationship

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for relationship

relationship

noun
How to pronounce relationship (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of relationship

: the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other
: a romantic or sexual friendship between two people
: the way in which two or more people or things are connected

See the full definition for relationship in the English Language Learners Dictionary

relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship | \ ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio) \

Kids Definition of relationship

1 : the state of being related or connected
2 : connection by common ancestry or marriage
3 : the state of interaction between two or more people, groups, or countries The sisters have a close relationship.

relationship

noun
re·​la·​tion·​ship | \ -shən-ˌship How to pronounce relationship (audio) \

Medical Definition of relationship

1 : the state of being related or interrelated research into the relationship between diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease — Current Biography
2a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings called on to assume the role of personal advisor in the doctor-patient relationship — Journal of the American Medical Association
b : an emotional attachment between individuals a meaningful relationship

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