combination - Definition & Meaning

com

tion

Plural

combinations

a unified whole created by joining or mixing two or more distinct elements or parts together

The combination of flour, eggs, and milk results in a smooth pancake batter.
The artist's unique combination of colors made the painting stand out.
The cocktail was a delightful combination of fruity and tangy flavors.
The design team used a combination of traditional and modern elements in the new building.
The winning recipe was a perfect combination of spices and herbs.

Synonyms:

assemblage mixture assortment amalgam manifold compound

the act of putting elements into groups without worrying about the order of those elements

The combination of different colored beads was used to create various jewelry designs.
The math problem required the student to find the combination of two numbers that add up to ten.
The combination of ingredients for the recipe can be altered to suit individual tastes.
The scientist analyzed the combination of chemicals to determine their effects.
The combination of players on the field gave the team a strategic advantage.

a group of individuals, often formed temporarily, who come together to achieve a common goal or purpose

The combination of volunteers worked tirelessly to organize the charity event.
The team of scientists formed a combination to tackle the complex research project.
The combination of activists protested against the new policy.
The combination of musicians came together to perform at the benefit concert.
The combination of students collaborated on the group assignment to ensure its success.

a specific sequence of numbers or letters used to open a combination lock

She quickly entered the combination to open her locker.
He forgot the combination to his bicycle lock and had to look it up.
The safe could only be accessed with the correct combination.
After several attempts, he finally remembered the combination for the padlock.
The instructions included the combination needed to unlock the secure box.

an alliance or partnership of people, corporations, or countries formed to achieve a specific purpose, typically for political or economic reasons

The combination of several countries formed a powerful economic bloc.
The corporations entered into a combination to influence industry regulations.
The political parties created a combination to promote common goals during the election.
The trade combination worked to secure better conditions for workers.
The environmental groups joined in a combination to advocate for climate change policies.

a sequence of moves that involves a tactical sacrifice or exchange of material to gain a positional or tactical advantage, often leading to a decisive advantage or checkmate

A combination in chess is a series of moves that leads to a tactical advantage, such as winning material or achieving checkmate. Combinations often involve sacrifices, where a player deliberately gives up a piece to gain a more favorable position or to set up a winning move. They require deep calculation and foresight, as players must plan several moves ahead to execute the sequence effectively. Combinations are a key part of chess strategy and can turn the game in favor of the player who sees them and uses them correctly.

The grandmaster executed a brilliant combination that left his opponent's king defenseless.
She spotted a combination that would sacrifice her knight to checkmate her opponent in three moves.
The player's combination involved exchanging rooks to gain control of the center of the board.
His combination of moves forced the opponent into a position where checkmate was inevitable.
The tactical combination created a powerful attack, ultimately leading to victory.