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
Noun
And my instinct initially was, 'Well, my friend can't be [this person], this can't be. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024 Indeed, talking with your kids and trusting your parental instincts are sure ways to make the best travel decisions for your family. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2024 To get into cooking in the bathroom is to descend ever deeper into a world untouched by wellness influencers and reality stars—one that goes against our collective instinct to keep two essential human functions separate. Jonathan Dale / The Takeout, Quartz, 17 Mar. 2024 Follow your instincts and take the path that offers you the highest return. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Early action seemed to validate Steven’s instincts to sell. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 If something feels wrong, police and prosecutors say, trust your instincts. Jasmine Hilton, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 This signals Sandler’s singular ethnic instincts (a subject worth future study). Armond White, National Review, 8 Mar. 2024 Phoebe Wall Howard Ford CEO Jim Farley predicted last year that hybrid vehicles would play a key role in driving sales, and the latest consumer data shows his instincts were spot on. Detroit Free Press, 4 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Weber had taken a CPR course in high school, and somehow instinct took over. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 However, there’s still something to be said for what that gut feeling, instinct, or intuition can tell you. Rhett Power, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Kelce said being on the same wavelength with his quarterback was borne of work and practice reps which over time became instinct. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2024 So with nothing to go on but instinct, Mom ended up sending us a beautiful, handmade, heirloom-quality [thingy]. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Dec. 2023 In the early days of hedge funds, so much trading was based on whim, instinct, and vaguely divinatory practices like tape reading, so called after the ticker tape used to transmit trades via telegraph. Tarpley Hitt, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2023 Vocal learning is the ability to produce new sounds by imitating others, relying on experience rather than instinct. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Popular Science, 14 Sep. 2023 That’s pretty common, particularly among great coaches and their players, that there is a paternal, fatherly instinct. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 20 Aug. 2023 Annalise Caron, a clinical psychologist who runs an initiative dedicated to parenting, understands the instinct parents have to seek community. Fortesa Latifi, Washington Post, 11 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instinct.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near instinct

Cite this Entry

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

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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