1. organized groups of people with a common purpose or interest
Usage: plural of association
2. mental connections or relationships between ideas, memories, or concepts
Usage: plural of association; psychology
3. partnerships or cooperative relationships between people or organizations
Usage: plural of association

Examples

• She belongs to several professional associations in her field.
• The neighborhood associations work together to improve local parks.
• The smell of cookies brings back pleasant associations with childhood.
• His associations with that memory are mostly negative.
• The company formed associations with international partners.
• Trade associations often lobby for industry interests.
• Word associations can help improve memory and learning.