intensity

noun

in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sə-tē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (such as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)
3

Examples of intensity in a Sentence

the intensity of the sun's rays the intensity of the argument The sun shone with great intensity.
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.
Progress slowly: Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid overtraining. Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025 July is on course to set new records for the intensity of cross-border attacks. LONDON -- Russia and Ukraine again exchanged a series of major overnight drone strikes as the two sides maneuvered ahead of a possible resumption of ceasefire talks later this week. David Brennan, ABC News, 21 July 2025 The series started its action intensity high, with explosions, fist fights, hit-and-run accidents, and department moles in the first episode, but didn’t have anywhere to go from there. Kayti Burt, Time, 21 July 2025 The Colorado study found that children ages 2-9 living in areas with the highest density and intensity wells within eight miles (13 kilometers) of their home were at least two times more likely to be diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Lisa McKenzie, The Conversation, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intensity

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intensity was in 1665

Cite this Entry

“Intensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intensity. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme strength, force, or feeling
2
: the degree or amount of a quality or condition
the intensity of an electric field

Medical Definition

intensity

noun
in·​ten·​si·​ty in-ˈten(t)-sət-ē How to pronounce intensity (audio)
plural intensities
1
: the quality or state of being intense
especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2
: the magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of surface, charge, mass, or time)
3

More from Merriam-Webster on intensity

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