connection Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
    connexion; connectedness.
    • there was a connection between eating that pickle and having that nightmare
  2. noun the state of being connected
    link; connectedness.
    • the connection between church and state is inescapable
  3. noun an instrumentality that connects
    connector; connexion; connecter; connective.
    • he soldered the connection
    • he didn't have the right connector between the amplifier and the speakers
  4. noun (usually plural) a person who is influential and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship)
    • he has powerful connections
  5. noun the process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination
    connexion; association.
    • conditioning is a form of learning by association
  6. noun a connecting shape
    link; connexion.
  7. noun a supplier (especially of narcotics)
  8. noun shifting from one form of transportation to another
    connexion.
    • the plane was late and he missed his connection in Atlanta
  9. noun the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)
    connexion; joining.
    • the joining of hands around the table
    • there was a connection via the internet

WordNet

Con*nec"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. Connexion.
Definitions
  1. The act of connecting, or the state of being connected; junction; union; alliance; relationship.
    He [Algazel] denied the possibility of a known connection between cause and effect. Whewell.
    The eternal and inserable connection between virtue and hapiness. Atterbury.
  2. That which connects or joins together; bond; tie.
    Any sort of connection which is perceived or imagined between two or more things. I. Taylor.
  3. A relation; esp. a person connected with another by marriage rather than by blood; -- used in a loose and indefinite, and sometimes a comprehensive, sense.
  4. The persons or things that are connected; as, a business connection; the Methodist connection.
    Men elevated by powerful connection. Motley.
    At the head of a strong parliamentary connection. Macaulay.
    Whose names, forces, connections, and characters were perfectly known to him. Macaulay.
    ✍ This word was formerly written, as by Milton, with x instead of t in the termination, connexion, and the same thing is true of the kindred words inflexion, reflexion, and the like. But the general usage at present is to spell them connection, inflection, reflection, etc. Syn. -- Union; coherence; continuity; junction; association; dependence; intercourse; commerce; communication; affinity; relationship.

Webster 1913