relationship
noun
re·la·tion·ship
ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship 
1
: the way in which two or more things or people are connected : the state of being related or interrelated
the relationship between physical and mental health
studied the relationship between the variables
the doctor-patient relationship
2
a
: the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other
had a good relationship with his family
The relationship between the two countries has improved.
She and her brother have a close relationship.
We have a great working relationship.
The two teammates have a love-hate relationship. [=a mixture of love and hate for one another]
b
: one's feelings or behavior towards something that one deals with regularly
raising kids to have a healthy relationship with food
I have a love-hate relationship with technology.
c
: a romantic or sexual friendship
I am not interested in a relationship right now.
3
a
: the state of being in the same family : kinship
claimed a relationship with the deceased
b
: a specific instance or type of kinship
a list of family relationships
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.”
Recent Examples on the Web
My wife refuses to block him and encourages a Facebook relationship, which brings him back into my life.
—
Abigail Van Buren, Arkansas Online, 4 Jan. 2026
The two have appeared to at least partially mend their relationship since then, with Musk visiting the White House for a dinner with Saudi Arabia's crown prince.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.
—Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 2026
In at least one case, the Qatari government has used its relationship with prestigious American institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and Georgetown University to bolster the legitimacy of its influence operations.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relationship
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show current usage.
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Abigail Van Buren, Arkansas Online, 4 Jan. 2026
The two have appeared to at least partially mend their relationship since then, with Musk visiting the White House for a dinner with Saudi Arabia's crown prince.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.
—Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 2026
In at least one case, the Qatari government has used its relationship with prestigious American institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and Georgetown University to bolster the legitimacy of its influence operations.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relationship
Cite this Entry
“Relationship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relationship. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relationship
noun
re·la·tion·ship
ri-ˈlā-shən-ˌship
1
: the state of being related
study language relationships
2
: kinship
claimed relationship with the mayor
also
: a specific instance or type of this
family relationships
3
: a state of affairs existing between those having shared dealings
good doctor-patient relationships
Medical Definition
relationship
noun
re·la·tion·ship
-shən-ˌship
1
: the state of being related or interrelated
research into the relationship between diet, blood, cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease—Current Biography
Current Biography2
a
: 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—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical Association
b
: an emotional attachment between individuals
a meaningful relationship
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