covalent bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical (C1-C2)Scientific, Academic, Educational
Quick answer
What does “covalent bond” mean?
A chemical bond formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between two atoms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical bond formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between two atoms.
A concept often used metaphorically to describe a strong, stable, and mutually dependent connection or relationship between two parties, where neither dominates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. British English may use single quotes for the term in educational texts ('covalent bond') slightly more often than US English.
Connotations
Identical. Both use it as a standard, neutral scientific term.
Frequency
Identical frequency in scientific contexts. The term is equally common in UK and US chemistry education and literature.
Grammar
How to Use “covalent bond” in a Sentence
atoms form a covalent bonda covalent bond between [atoms]the bond is covalentto share electrons in a covalent bondVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “covalent bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The oxygen atoms covalently bond to form a stable O₂ molecule.
- These elements do not readily covalent-bond under standard conditions.
American English
- The carbon atoms covalently bond, sharing four electrons.
- Nitrogen will covalent-bond with three hydrogen atoms.
adverb
British English
- The atoms are covalently bonded.
- The hydrogen is bonded covalently to the oxygen.
American English
- The two chlorines are covalently attached.
- Electrons are shared covalently between the nuclei.
adjective
British English
- The covalent bonding in diamond gives it exceptional hardness.
- They studied the covalent character of the molecular compound.
American English
- The covalent nature of the bond was confirmed by spectroscopy.
- Water is held together by covalent interactions within each molecule.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in highly specific contexts like a chemical/pharmaceutical R&D presentation.
Academic
Core term in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science lectures, textbooks, and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used when explaining basic chemistry to a student or in popular science media.
Technical
The primary context. Used in chemical engineering, molecular biology, pharmacology, and laboratory procedures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “covalent bond”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “covalent bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “covalent bond”
- Misspelling as 'covalant bond'.
- Confusing it with 'ionic bond' (transfer vs. sharing).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'strong bond' without the specific chemical meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A covalent bond involves sharing electrons, while an ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons, creating positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.
Yes. If the shared electrons are attracted more strongly to one atom than the other (due to differences in electronegativity), the bond is polar covalent, creating partial charges.
In a dative (or coordinate) covalent bond, both shared electrons come from the same atom. Once formed, it is identical in properties to a standard covalent bond.
Bond strength is influenced by bond order (single, double, triple), the specific atoms involved, and bond length. More shared electron pairs generally mean a stronger, shorter bond.
A chemical bond formed by the sharing of one or more pairs of electrons between two atoms.
Covalent bond is usually scientific, academic, educational in register.
Covalent bond: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.veɪ.lənt ˈbɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊˌveɪ.lənt ˈbɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Covalent bond (rare metaphorical use): Their partnership was a covalent bond, built on shared resources and mutual trust.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COoperative VALENTines. Both atoms contribute (cooperate) an electron to form the bond (like a shared Valentine's gift).
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS SHARING / A RELATIONSHIP IS A CHEMICAL BOND.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a covalent bond?