continuity

noun

con·​ti·​nu·​i·​ty ˌkän-tə-ˈnü-ə-tē How to pronounce continuity (audio)
-ˈnyü-
plural continuities
1
a
: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union
… its disregard of the continuity between means and ends …Sidney Hook
b
: uninterrupted duration or continuation especially without essential change
the continuity of the company's management
2
: something that has, exhibits, or provides continuity: such as
a
: a script or scenario in the performing arts
b
: transitional spoken or musical matter especially for a radio or television program
c
: the story and dialogue of a comic strip
3
: the property of being mathematically continuous

Examples of continuity in a Sentence

The art historian is studying the continuities between the painter's works and those of her followers. There's a problem with the movie's continuity.
Recent Examples on the Web That project was scrapped after James Gunn and Peter Safran took on leadership roles, setting plans for a rebooted continuity of on-screen DC Comics adaptations. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 But a Biden reelection, while offering continuity, would come with trade-offs for the Chinese Communist Party’s long-term goals of remolding the international order to its advantage. Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Minutes turnover: Kansas State doesn’t bring many familiar faces, ranking No. 302 in minutes continuity percentage (21.3). Can’t hit from deep: The Wildcats rank No. 278 in 3-point percentage (31.9). Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 But Schiff, who has been in Congress since 2001 and touted endorsements from establishment figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has positioned himself as the candidate of continuity who would carry on Feinstein’s legacy. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 This transcript has been edited for length, clarity and continuity. Cmo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The new concourse includes these features: Five new gates: Gates 1-4 plus a Gate 1A to ensure continuity with Gates 5-10 in the terminal's adjoining concourse. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 21 Feb. 2024 Changes still likely for Panthers offensive line Despite the continuity at left tackle, changes are still expected be made on the offensive line. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 But one of the first [American] screenplays I was sent by my agents at the time strangely felt in direct continuity with Incendies and the thematic cycle of violence. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'continuity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English continuite, borrowed from Anglo-French continuité, borrowed from Latin continuitāt-, continuitās, from continuus continuous + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of continuity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near continuity

Cite this Entry

“Continuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continuity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

continuity

noun
con·​ti·​nu·​ity
ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈ(y)ü-ət-ē
plural continuities
1
: the quality or state of being continuous
2
: something that has or provides continuity

Medical Definition

continuity

noun
con·​ti·​nu·​ity ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈ(y)ü-ət-ē How to pronounce continuity (audio)
plural continuities
: uninterrupted connection, succession, or union

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