What does "connection" mean?
The act of connecting.
Connection
/kəˈnɛkʃn̩/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of connecting.
- Grammar: connection is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: link, bond, connective, abutment.
- Useful contrasts: mechanical detachment, social disassociation, temporary disconnection.
- Usage evidence: Why are you telling me about hippos all of the sudden? I don't see the connection between that and your twelve red goldfishes.
How to use "connection"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "connection" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "connection" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "connection" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "connection" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "connection" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "link" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "connection", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of connecting. uncountable
- 2 the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication) wordnet
- 3 The point at which two or more things are connected. countable, uncountable
"the connection between overeating and obesity"
- 4 shifting from one form of transportation to another wordnet
- 5 A feeling of understanding and ease of communication between two or more people. countable, uncountable
"As we were the only people in the room to laugh at the joke, I felt a connection between us."
Show 16 more definitions
- 6 an instrumentality that connects wordnet
- 7 An established communications or transportation link. countable, uncountable
"computers linked by a network connection"
- 8 the process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination wordnet
- 9 A transfer from one transportation vehicle to another in scheduled transportation service. countable, uncountable
"The bus was late so he missed his connection at Penn Station and had to wait six hours for the next train."
- 10 a supplier (especially of narcotics) wordnet
- 11 A kinship relationship between people. countable, uncountable
- 12 (usually plural) a person who is influential and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship) wordnet
- 13 A person related to oneself, through either family or business. countable, uncountable
"I have some connections in Lancashire."
- 14 a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it) wordnet
- 15 A set of sets that contains the empty set, all one-element sets for any element that is included in any of the sets, and the union of any group of sets that are elements where the intersections of those sets is non-empty. countable, uncountable
- 16 a connecting shape wordnet
- 17 Coherence; lack of disjointedness. countable, uncountable
- 18 the state of being connected wordnet
- 19 A Methodist denomination as a whole, as opposed to its constituent churches, circuits, districts and conferences. countable, uncountable
- 20 Sexual intercourse. countable, uncountable
"The exact nature of the relations between the boy-wife and his protector are doubtful; they certainly have connection, but the natives repudiate with horror and disgust the idea of sodomy."
- 21 A drug dealer. countable, slang, uncountable
"Now the final study was the drug habit. He was now in New Orleans, slipping along the streets with shady characters and haunting connection bars."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
mechanical detachmentsocial disassociationtemporary disconnectionunconnected patches
Example
"Why are you telling me about hippos all of the sudden? I don't see the connection between that and your twelve red goldfishes."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "connection"?
Common synonyms include: link, bond, connective, abutment, abuttal, academic relationship.
How do you use "connection" in a sentence?
Why are you telling me about hippos all of the sudden? I don't see the connection between that and your twelve red goldfishes.
How do you pronounce "connection"?
Pronounced /kəˈnɛkʃn̩/.
Etymology
From Middle English conneccioun, connexioun, conneccyon, conneccion, from Latin connexionem (nominative connexio (“a conclusion, binding together”)), from connectō, an alternative spelling of cōnectō (“I bind together”), from compound of co- (“together”) and nectō (“I bind”). In American English mid-18c., spelling shifted from connexion to connection (equivalent to connect + -ion), thus making connexion British dated and connection in international use.