artificial intelligence

noun

1

: the capability of computer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior

… helped pioneer the idea that computers can exhibit artificial intelligence that mirrors human thinking.

—Richard Sandomir

A Monmouth University poll … found that only 9 percent of Americans believed that computers with artificial intelligence would do more good than harm to society.

—Shira Ovide

Artificial intelligence applications are already used behind the scenes in hospitals to automate workforce tasks, improve patient flow, for operating room scheduling and elsewhere to improve efficiency.

—Liz Freeman

also, plural artificial intelligences : a computer, computer system, or set of algorithms having this capability

Someday, our artificial intelligences will be capable enough to pass for human.

—Benjamin C. Kinney

… they are now eager to create artificial intelligences that can mediate human life at every level.

—Edward Ongweso Jr.

see also generative artificial intelligence

2

: a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent human behavior by computers

The school of computer science offers … undergraduate degrees in artificial intelligence.

—Evan Robinson-Johnson

He is looking to study computer science focusing on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

—Joe McHugh

Examples of artificial intelligence in a Sentence

a robot with artificial intelligence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the same time, enthusiasm around artificial intelligence continues to provide a powerful tailwind for equities, particularly in technology-heavy markets. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026

The project comes as California and the nation are grappling with rising energy demand fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence data centers, putting fresh pressure on grids already strained by extreme heat and aging infrastructure. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Instead, with the cooperation of Kilmer’s estate and his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, Voorhees reconstructed the performance using generative artificial intelligence, assembling the role from archival material and digital tools. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026

As artificial intelligence moves into all aspects of life, there is a belief that its inclusion in the law enforcement tool kit is a matter of time. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for artificial intelligence

• counterintelligence

Kids Definition

artificial intelligence

noun

: the power of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior