coupling

7 synonyms and 1 antonym for coupling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

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

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

union

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

mating pairing

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

yoke coupler conjugation sexual union

Synonyms by Meaning

1. 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.”

union mating pairing yoke coupler conjugation sexual union

2. noun

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.”

Opposites

decoupling

How to use coupling

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

tight coupling loose coupling a coupling device rail coupling

Etymology

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

Full origin of coupling →

Frequently asked questions

What does “coupling” mean?

The word “coupling” means a mechanical device or fitting that joins two parts together, such as two pipes, train cars, or machine components. In plain terms, a part or arrangement that connects two things — physical (like pipes) or abstract (like software modules).

How do you pronounce “coupling”?

“Coupling” is pronounced KUHP-lihng (/ˈkʌplɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “coupling” in a sentence?

Here is “coupling” used in a sentence: “A faulty coupling caused the two train cars to disconnect.”

What part of speech is “coupling”?

“Coupling” is a noun.

Where does the word “coupling” come from?

The word “coupling” comes from Middle English. From Middle English couplynge, formed from couple plus the suffix -ing.

Is “coupling” a common word?

“Coupling” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “coupling” have?

“Coupling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mechanical device or fitting that joins two parts together, such as two pipes, train cars, or machine components.

Related words

decoupling

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union mating pairing yoke conjugation decoupling coupler

Nearby words

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