coupling

noun

cou·​pling ˈkə-pliŋ How to pronounce coupling (audio)
(usual for sense 2)
-pə-liŋ How to pronounce coupling (audio)
Synonyms of couplingnext
1
: the act of bringing or coming together : pairing
specifically : sexual union
2
: a device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent parts or objects
3
: the joining of or the part of the body that joins the hindquarters to the forequarters of a quadruped
4
: a means of electric connection of two electric circuits by having a part common to both

Examples of coupling in a Sentence

the couplings between railroad cars a coupling of literature and science
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 with new Islanders comes re-couplings, and for some, that means packing their bags and leaving the villa. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 So who paired together during the initial coupling ceremony? Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Our first couples The first coupling up is based around an elaborate compatibility test-slash–kissing booth that is entirely too complicated, but chaos and saliva are the fuel that keep the Love Island machine running. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 June 2026 The underlying semiconductor was also reformulated to include some tin, which improved the spin-orbit coupling between its electrons and those in the lead. ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for coupling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coupling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coupling. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

coupling

noun
cou·​pling ˈkəp-liŋ ( How to pronounce coupling (audio)
usual for sense 2 )
-ə-liŋ
1
: the act of bringing or coming together
2
: something that connects two parts or things

Medical Definition

coupling

noun
cou·​pling ˈkəp-liŋ, -ə-liŋ How to pronounce coupling (audio)
1
: the joint together with its supporting structures between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum that joins the hindquarters of a quadruped to the trunk
broadly : the part of the body or the conformation and proportionate length of the part of the body that joins the hindquarters to the forequarters
2
: the tendency of linked traits to be inherited together in offspring of a double heterozygote when both dominant genes occur on one chromosome and both recessive genes occur on the homologous chromosome compare repulsion
3

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