Pavlovian

adjective

Pav·​lov·​i·​an pav-ˈlȯ-vē-ən 

-ˈlō-;

-ˈlȯ-fē- 

1

: of or relating to Ivan Pavlov or to his work and theories

Pavlovian conditioning

2

: being or expressing a conditioned or predictable reaction : automatic

the candidates gave Pavlovian answers

Examples of Pavlovian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Publications from the Times on down employ clickbait headlines that treat you like a starving rat in a Pavlovian experiment. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

The concept became so ingrained at Villanova that the word became near Pavlovian. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 2026

Not only does Pavlovian enter with the most starts (10), its owner and trainer have twice won the Derby together. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 2 May 2026

O’Neill, who also has Pavlovian as a starter, named Cristian Torres to ride Robusta because Emisael Jaramillo had commitments at Santa Anita. — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Pavlovian

• jovian

Medical Definition

Pavlovian

adjective

Pav·​lov·​ian pav-ˈlȯ-vē-ən  -ˈlō-; -ˈlȯ-fē- 

: of or relating to Ivan Pavlov or to his work and theories

Pavlovian conditioning