# link

/ˈɫɪŋk/ (US) · /lˈɪŋk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/link
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a relationship or connection

noun · CEFR A2

a connection between two people, things, or ideas.

For teachers: a relationship or logical connection between two or more people, events, or concepts.

- Police found a clear link between the two crimes.
- Researchers have established a definitive link between prolonged exposure to the chemical and the development of chronic respiratory issues.

### 2. internet address

noun · CEFR A2

a word or button on a website that you click to go to another page.

For teachers: a digital reference or hyperlink that directs a user to another location, typically within a web browser.

- Click the link in the email to join the video call.
- The developer embedded a broken link in the navigation bar, preventing users from accessing the support documentation.

### 3. part of a chain

noun · CEFR B1

one of the rings in a metal chain.

For teachers: one of the individual rings or segments that form a chain.

- The heavy iron chain had one broken link.
- The structural integrity of the entire suspension system was compromised by a single corroded link in the primary support chain.

### 4. chemical bond

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a connection between atoms in a molecule.

For teachers: a unit of valence or a bond of attraction between atoms within a molecule.

- The chemical link between the atoms is very strong.
- The stability of the compound depends on the covalent link formed between the carbon and oxygen atoms during the reaction.

### 5. to connect things

verb · CEFR A2

to connect two or more things together.

For teachers: to connect or join two or more objects, people, or ideas; often used in the passive voice.

- A new bridge will link the island to the mainland.
- The proposed high-speed rail network is designed to link major industrial hubs with the capital city, reducing transit times significantly.

### 6. to show a relationship

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to show that there is a connection between two ideas or facts.

For teachers: to demonstrate or suggest a correlation or causal relationship between two variables or events.

- The study links a healthy diet to a longer life.
- While the initial data appeared promising, the scientists were unable to link the increase in temperature directly to the local industrial activity.

### 7. to meet up

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to meet someone to spend time together.

For teachers: to meet or congregate with an individual or group, typically for social purposes.

- We should link later tonight and grab some food.
- He told his friends he would link with them at the concert venue once he finished his shift at the restaurant.

### 8. to compile code

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to combine different pieces of computer code into one program.

For teachers: to combine multiple object files generated by a compiler into a single executable file or library.

- The program failed to link because a file was missing.
- The software engineer spent hours trying to link the external libraries to the main application framework after the system update.

## Examples

- The police found a link between the two crimes.
- Please click the link in the email to confirm your account registration.
- Scholars have long debated the causal link between economic stability and the flourishing of democratic institutions in post-colonial nations.

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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.