First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
connect
verb con·nect \kə-ˈnekt\
: to join (two or more things) together
: to join with or become joined to something else
: to think of (something or someone) as being related to or involved with another person, thing, event, or idea
Full Definition of CONNECT
intransitive verb
1
: to become joined <the two rooms connect by a hallway> <ideas that connect easily to form a theory>
2
a : to meet for the transference of passengers <connecting flights> b : to transfer (as from one airplane to another) as a step in traveling to a final destination <passengers connecting with international flights>
3
: to make a successful hit, shot, or throw <connected for a home run> <connected on 60 percent of his shots — New York Times>
4
: to have or establish a rapport <tried to connect with the younger generation>
5
: to establish a communications connection <connect to the Internet>
transitive verb
1
: to join or fasten together usually by something intervening
2
: to place or establish in relationship
— con·nect·able also con·nect·ible \-ˈnek-tə-bəl\ adjective
— con·nec·tor also con·nect·er \-ˈnek-tər\ noun
— connect the dots
: to link together logically related elements in order to draw a conclusion <trying to connect the dots in the investigation>
See connect defined for English-language learners
See connect defined for kids
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Origin of CONNECT
Middle English, from Latin conectere, connectere, from com- + nectere to bind
Related to CONNECT
Synonym Discussion of CONNECT
join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness <joined forces in an effort to win>. combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit <combined jazz and rock to create a new music>. unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity <the colonies united to form a republic>. connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity <a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations>. link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity <a name forever linked with liberty>. associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation <opera is popularly associated with high society>. relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection <related what he observed to what he already knew>.
Rhymes with CONNECT
abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, collect, confect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked
CONNECTING Defined for Kids
connect
verb con·nect \kə-ˈnekt\
con·nect·edcon·nect·ing
Definition of CONNECT for Kids
1
: to join or link together <connect two wires> <A hallway connects the two rooms.>
2
: to have something to do with <She's not in any way connected to the crime.>
3
: to bring together in thought <I connect the smell of barbequed food with summer.>
— con·nec·tor \-ˈnek-tər\ noun
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