instinct

1 of 2

noun

in·​stinct ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 

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 

-chəl

-shwəl

-chü-əl

adjective

instinctually adverb

instinct

2 of 2

adjective

in·​stinct in-ˈstiŋ(k)t  ˈin-ˌstiŋ(k)t 

1

: profoundly imbued : infused

my mood, instinct with romance

—S. 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

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

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

Phrases Containing instinct

• death instinct
• homing instinct
• killer instinct
• survival instinct

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 

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