association

The word “association” means a group of people organized for a shared purpose, such as a club or professional body. In plain terms, a connection between things, or an organized group of people with a shared purpose.

“Association” is pronounced uh-soh-shee-AYSHN (/əˌsoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “association” used in a sentence: “She joined the local tenants' association.”

Words with a similar meaning to “association” include connection and ass'n.

“Association” is a noun.

The word “association” comes from Latin. From Latin associatio, from "associate" plus the noun suffix "-ion".

“Association” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Association” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of people organized for a shared purpose, such as a club or professional body.

An organization is any structured group working toward a goal, including companies and charities. An association is a specific kind of organization, usually made up of members who join voluntarily around a shared interest or profession. Every association is an organization, but not every organization is an association.

Common types include professional associations that represent a trade or occupation, and trade associations that support businesses in an industry. Others include voluntary or community associations formed around a hobby or cause, residents' or housing associations, and alumni associations. Each brings members together around a shared purpose.

They overlap but differ in tone. A club is usually informal and social, centred on a shared pastime. An association tends to be more formal and structured, often representing a profession or industry and sometimes holding official standing. A small hobby group is a club; a professional body is an association.

A medical association representing doctors is a clear example, as is a bar association for lawyers or a football association governing the sport. Smaller examples include a residents' association or a parent-teacher association. Each is a group of people organized around a shared purpose or profession.