relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms of relevance

• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

The team said the approach could also be used to design catalysts for other energy storage and conversion technologies, expanding its relevance beyond lithium-sulfur systems. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026

Ballario’s video is unclear, explaining that Hirst’s relevance to the project, which is intended to celebrate McDonald’s 40th anniversary in Italy, is, in fact, irrelevant. —Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 28 Apr. 2026

The plot to the sequel focuses on Miranda and Andy’s attempts to bring the august Runway Magazine back to relevance in the new, digital media age. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse the traditional and contemporary clothing, learn about their relevance, and seize the chance to inspect them closely. —Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for relevance

• irrelevance

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted