instinct

1 of 2

noun

in·​stinct ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce instinct (audio)
1
: a natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity
had an instinct for the right word
2
a
: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
b
: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
instinctual
in-ˈstiŋ(k)-chə-wəl How to pronounce instinct (audio)
-chəl
-shwəl
-chü-əl
adjective
instinctually adverb

instinct

2 of 2

adjective

1
: profoundly imbued : infused
my mood, instinct with romanceS. J. Perelman
2
obsolete : impelled by an inner or animating or exciting agency

Examples of instinct in a Sentence

Noun Our first instinct was to run. Cats possess a natural hunting instinct. Seeing the baby aroused all her maternal instincts. He has been guided throughout his career by his political instincts. Mere instinct alerted her to the danger. He knew by instinct what not to say. She seemed to know by instinct that something was wrong. He has a strong survival instinct. an athlete with good instincts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Although his average size (6-0 1/4, 232) stands out, Fisher’s speed and instincts stand out even more. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 While Alexander grounded the agency, Elwell systematized it and built the frameworks that turned creative instinct into repeatable success. Sara Smith, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
While some male dogs may be gentle or playful with puppies, this behavior is often due to social conditioning, and not instinct. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 Lean Into Your Marketing Foundations Determining which information belongs (and doesn’t belong) in your customer-facing messaging requires more than instinct. Natalie Nathanson, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instinct

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin instinctus impulse, from instinguere to incite; akin to Latin instigare to instigate

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instinct. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

instinct

noun
in·​stinct
ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t
1
: a natural ability or inclination
2
a
: an act or course of action in response to a stimulus that is usually inherited and is automatic rather than learned
b
: behavior that is based on automatic actions

Medical Definition

instinct

noun
in·​stinct ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t How to pronounce instinct (audio)
1
: a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason
2
: behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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