ENGLISH
REFERENCE

connection

n.
US //kəˈnɛkʃən// UK //kənˈɛkʃən// con·nec·tion
  1. 1 a physical or logical link (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a point where two or more things join together.

    the state of being physically or logically joined; the point at which two or more things are attached.

    Example

    Check the cable connection at the back of the computer if the screen is dark.

    Example

    The engineer identified a loose connection in the primary circuit board, which had been causing intermittent power failures throughout the facility.
  2. 2 interpersonal rapport (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a feeling of understanding and liking someone.

    a psychological or emotional state of mutual understanding and rapport between individuals.

    Example

    I felt a real connection with her the first time we talked about music.

    Example

    Despite their different backgrounds, the two researchers discovered a profound intellectual connection that led to a decade of successful collaboration.
    • estrangement
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 internet or phone link (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a way to communicate using a computer or phone.

    an established communications link, especially for data or telephonic transmission.

    Example

    The internet connection is very slow in this part of the building.

    Example

    The remote team struggled to maintain a stable connection during the video conference due to the local infrastructure's limited bandwidth.
    • disconnection
  2. 4 transport transfer (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a train, bus, or plane that you catch after getting off another one.

    a scheduled transfer between vehicles in a transportation network.

    Example

    Our flight was delayed, so we missed our connection in Frankfurt.

    Example

    The travel agent ensured there was a two-hour window for the connection in Paris to account for potential delays at customs.
  3. 5 a useful contact (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a person you know who can help you, especially in business.

    a person or organisation with whom one is associated, typically providing access to influence or information.

    Example

    He used his family connections to get an internship at the law firm.

    Example

    Through her professional connections in the publishing industry, she managed to secure an early review of the manuscript.
  4. 6 drug dealer (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a person who sells illegal drugs.

    a supplier of illegal drugs. Primarily used in informal or criminal contexts.

    Example

    He was arrested while waiting to meet his connection in the park.

    Example

    The undercover operation focused on identifying the primary connection responsible for distributing narcotics across the city's northern districts.
Origin

From Middle English conneccioun, connexioun, conneccyon, conneccion, from Latin connexionem (nominative connexio (“a conclusion, binding together”)), from connectō, an alternative spelling of cōnectō (“to bind together”), from compound of co- (“together”) and nectō (“to 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.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference