noun

coupling

KUHP-lihng

noun

A mechanical device or fitting that joins two parts together, such as two pipes, train cars, or machine components.

"A faulty coupling caused the two train cars to disconnect."

"The plumber tightened the coupling between the two sections of pipe."

In software or electronics, the degree to which two systems, modules, or circuits depend on or affect each other.

"Reducing coupling between modules makes the code easier to maintain."

"Tight coupling between the circuits caused unwanted interference."

How to Use Coupling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA part or arrangement that connects two things — physical (like pipes) or abstract (like software modules).

Common pairings

tight coupling loose coupling a coupling device rail coupling

couplings plural

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A faulty _____ caused the two train cars to disconnect.

From Middle English couplynge, formed from couple plus the suffix -ing.