link
gb/lˈɪŋk/ us/lˈɪŋk/
A2
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
relation
1
connection between two things
A connection between two people, things, or ideas.
Usage pattern:
a link between [thing1] and [thing2]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'link' with 'chain' when talking about relationships. 'Chain' usually means a physical series of connected metal rings, while 'link' can be abstract.
Synonyms
connection (A general term for something that joins or relates things; broader and more common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
separation (Refers to the state of being apart or disconnected, the opposite of having a link.)
Collocations
direct link
|strong link
|close link
|link between
|missing link
Themes
communication
|technology
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a clear link between diet and health.
- Scientists are studying the link between pollution and climate change.
- The police found a link between the suspect and the stolen goods.
Learner examples
- There is a link between sugar and weight gain.
- I see a link between your work and mine.
- This book shows the link between history and art.
Noun
A2
entity
2
clickable element on webpage
A word or picture on a website you can click to open another page.
Usage pattern:
click on the link to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'URL' when they mean 'link'. A URL is the address; a link is what you click.
Synonyms
hyperlink (A more technical term used mainly in computing contexts.)
Antonyms
text (Plain text without any clickable function is the opposite of a web link in this context.)
Collocations
click a link
|follow a link
|broken link
|share a link
Themes
technology
|internet
|communication
Examples
- Click the link to download the file.
- She sent me a link to the article.
- This page has several broken links.
Learner examples
- Click the link to see more pictures.
- I sent you a link in my email.
- That link does not work.
Noun
B1
entity
3
ring in a chain
One ring in a chain.
Synonyms
loop (A closed curve of material; less specific than 'link' in chain context.)
Antonyms
gap (An opening where there is no connecting part; opposite of a closed link.)
Collocations
chain link
|metal link
|gold link
Themes
objects
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The necklace broke at one of its links.
- He replaced a damaged link in the chain.
- Each link is carefully welded together.
Learner examples
- The chain has many links.
- One link in my necklace is broken.
- He fixed the broken link.
Verb
B1
action
4
connect things together
To join two or more things together.
Usage pattern:
to link [something] to [something]
Synonyms
connect (A broader term for joining things, both physical and abstract.)
Antonyms
separate (To make things not connected; opposite of linking.)
Collocations
link together
|link up
|link directly
Themes
communication
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new bridge will link the island to the mainland.
- The software links your phone to your computer.
- The study links smoking to lung disease.
Learner examples
- The road links the two towns.
- We linked our computers together.
- This article links stress to illness.
Noun
technical
C2
quantity
5
unit of length in surveying
A small length used in land measuring, equal to 0.01 of a chain.
Synonyms
surveying unit (General term for any measurement unit used in surveying.)
Collocations
surveying link
Themes
measurement
|science
Examples
- The property measures 500 links along its northern boundary.
- An old map lists distances in chains and links.
- Surveyors used links for precise measurements.
Learner examples
- The map shows lengths in links.
- One chain has 100 links.
- A link is less than one foot long.
Grammar
Dictionary form
link
IPA
GB/lˈɪŋk/
US/lˈɪŋk/
Syllables & stress
link (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (link)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: link
- Plural: links
Verb
- Base: link
- 3rd Person Singular: links
- Present Participle: linking
- Past: linked
Word family
Forms
links
noun
linking
verb
linked
verb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unlink
verb
Advanced or less common
interlink
verb
Expressions
link in the chain
1/lˈɪŋk ˈɪn ðə t͡ʃˈeɪn/
fixed phrase
part of connected series
One part of a connected series of events or things.
Examples
- Trust is an important link in the chain of good teamwork.
- Each project phase is a link in the chain toward success.
link up
1/lˈɪŋk ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
connect or join together for purpose
To join with someone or something for a reason or activity.
Examples
- The two companies linked up to develop new software.
- Let's link up after the meeting to discuss our plans.
missing link
1/mˈɪsɪŋ lˈɪŋk/
idiom
needed thing that is missing
Something important that is missing to complete an explanation or process.
Examples
- The missing link in this case is the suspect's motive.
- Scientists are searching for the missing link in human evolution.