relevance
noun
rel·e·vance
ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 
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
Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement.
—
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement, officials said.
—Alexandra Koch , Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The timing of the announcement during Black History Month adds to its historical relevance, but the preservation responsibilities extend far beyond any single month.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
The timing of the announcement during Black History Month adds to its historical relevance, connecting the physical evidence of the past to ongoing conversations about the nation’s history of slavery and resistance.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relevance
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Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement, officials said.
—Alexandra Koch , Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 13 Feb. 2026
The timing of the announcement during Black History Month adds to its historical relevance, but the preservation responsibilities extend far beyond any single month.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
The timing of the announcement during Black History Month adds to its historical relevance, connecting the physical evidence of the past to ongoing conversations about the nation’s history of slavery and resistance.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for relevance
Cite this Entry
“Relevance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relevance. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relevance
noun
rel·e·vance
ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s
: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence
Legal Definition
relevance
noun
rel·e·vance
ˈre-lə-vəns
: 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
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