linkage

noun

link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner or style of being united: such as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
2
: the quality or state of being linked
especially : the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2
3
: a system of links
especially : a system of links or bars which are jointed together and more or less constrained by having a link or links fixed and by means of which straight or nearly straight lines or other point paths may be traced
4
5
: the tactic in diplomatic negotiations of linking often unrelated issues so that progress in one area is dependent on agreement in another

Examples of linkage in a Sentence

linkages between population growth and disease the accountants noticed a linkage between the two supposedly independent companies
Recent Examples on the Web The war in Ukraine has severed Russia from the West to a significant degree, but there remain critical linkages that serve the Kremlin’s aims. Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2024 The glitch at Julius Baer had something to do with a linkage between the bank’s IT systems and a data center that broke down, the people said. Jan-Henrik Foerster, Bloomberg.com, 23 Feb. 2024 The linkage between self-aware leaders and the prosperity of their organizations is well-documented; leaders who understand themselves can more effectively guide their teams toward success. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 But maintaining real-time updates to linkages between providers, facilities and groups in a central data hub smooths adjudication. Tammy Hawes, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 These stats could be seen as a rough yardstick of California love – understanding that the linkage between marital status and romance is by no means a certainty. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2024 Some linkage is inevitable, but overall harmony was counterproductive. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 Somewhere in the linkage between the tap of my finger and the responding pixel on—screen, an algorithm has registered my preference for a morning routine. TIME, 8 Feb. 2024 Professor Greta Friedemann-Sánchez researches the linkage between domestic violence and conflict in Colombia, this year presenting her research at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva to persuade its members to put pressure on Colombia to address intimate partner violence. Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linkage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of linkage was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near linkage

Cite this Entry

“Linkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linkage. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

linkage

noun
link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner or style of being united: as
a
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are linked in a molecule
2
: the quality or state of being linked
especially : the occurring together of genes on the same chromosome with the result that the traits they control are not inherited independently of each other but tend to be found together
3
: a system of links
especially : a system of links or bars jointed together by means of which lines or curves may be traced

Medical Definition

linkage

noun
link·​age ˈliŋ-kij How to pronounce linkage (audio)
1
: the manner in which atoms or radicals are connected by chemical bonds in a molecule
2
: the relationship between genes on the same chromosome that causes them to be inherited together compare mendel's law sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on linkage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!