# combination

/ˌkɑmbəˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /kˌɒmbɪnˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/combination
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a mixture or blend

noun · CEFR B1

two or more things joined or mixed together to create something new.

For teachers: the result of combining two or more distinct elements into a single entity or mixture.

- The chef created a delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavours.
- The success of the project was due to a unique combination of technical expertise and creative vision within the leadership team.

### 2. a lock code

noun · CEFR B1

the secret series of numbers or letters used to open a lock.

For teachers: a specific sequence of characters or numbers required to operate a combination lock.

- I can never remember the combination to my gym locker.
- The safe requires a six-digit combination that is changed every month to ensure maximum security for the documents inside.

### 3. mathematical selection

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a group of items chosen from a larger set where the order does not matter.

For teachers: a selection of members from a total population where the order of selection is not a distinguishing factor.

- In this card game, the order of the cards in your hand is a combination.
- The students were asked to calculate the number of possible combinations when choosing three representatives from a class of thirty.

Usage: Often contrasted with 'permutation', where the order of items does matter.

### 4. sports sequence

noun · CEFR B2

a series of quick moves or hits performed one after another.

For teachers: a rapid succession of coordinated strikes or tactical moves in sports such as boxing or chess.

- The boxer won the match after landing a powerful three-punch combination.
- The grandmaster executed a brilliant combination that forced his opponent to sacrifice a queen to avoid immediate checkmate.

### 5. an alliance

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a group of people or companies working together for a specific goal.

For teachers: an association or alliance of individuals or entities formed for a common purpose.

- The two companies formed a powerful combination in the tech industry.
- The political combination of several smaller parties proved strong enough to challenge the ruling government during the autumn elections.

## Examples

- The lock opens with a secret combination of numbers.
- The chef created a unique dish using a combination of traditional spices and modern techniques.
- Success in this field requires a rare combination of technical proficiency, creative vision, and the emotional intelligence to lead a diverse team through high-pressure situations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.