English Reference

Word

coupling

Phoneticscou·pling, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkəpɫɪŋ/

UK/kˈʌplɪŋ/

Definitions

01mechanical connector

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technical

n. a device or part used to connect two pieces of machinery or equipment together.

n. a mechanical device used to connect two shafts or components for the purpose of transmitting power or fluid.

“The train cars stayed together because the metal coupling was strong.”

“The engineer inspected the hydraulic coupling for leaks before the high-pressure system was activated for the morning shift.”

Usage

Often used in engineering and transport contexts.

02software dependency

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical

n. how much one part of a computer program depends on another part.

n. the degree to which different software modules rely on each other; low coupling is generally preferred for better maintenance.

“The programmer tried to reduce the coupling between the two modules to make the code easier to fix.”

“High coupling in the legacy system made it nearly impossible to update the database schema without breaking the user interface.”

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the abstract degree of dependency.

Antonyms

decoupling

03electronic signal transfer

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical

n. a connection that allows an electrical signal to pass from one circuit to another.

n. the transfer of energy or signals between electronic circuits via induction, capacitance, or direct connection.

“The radio had poor sound because of unwanted coupling between the internal wires.”

“Capacitive coupling between the parallel signal lines introduced significant noise into the high-frequency measurements.”

Synonyms

04joining together

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the act of bringing two people or things together to form a pair.

n. the process or act of joining two entities together to function as a unit or couple.

“The coupling of these two famous brands created a very powerful new company.”

“The successful coupling of traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles resulted in a product that appealed to all generations.”

05sexual intercourse

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal · Technical

n. a formal or scientific way to describe two animals or people having sex.

n. the act of sexual intercourse, typically used in biological or formal sociological contexts.

“The scientists observed the coupling of the rare birds during the spring.”

“The documentary detailed the complex rituals that precede coupling in various deep-sea species.”

Synonyms

matingcoitus

Real-World Examples

“The authors of the Nature Energy paper found a way around that obstacle by coupling two ultra-thin nickel-titanium films.”
Ars Technica 1 Sept 2026
“Coupling acoustic recordings with drone footage may allow specific calls to be linked to certain habits.”
The Guardian 27 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English couplynge; equivalent to couple + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

coupling(C1)

Domains

ElectronicsPhysicsProgramming

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference