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
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.
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is putting newfound urgency in the push for Congress to streamline the permitting process for new energy projects. Staff, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025 To judge from the sudden and rapid infiltration of artificial intelligence into every corner of our daily lives, these wishes are coming true. Gary Greenberg, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025 To help prevent power outages, utilities should be deploying artificial intelligence tools to analyze power supply and improve efficiency without placing additional pressures on the grid. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 As artificial intelligence seeps into daily life, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education aims to incorporate the emerging technologies into the classroom, but with caution. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for artificial intelligence

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of artificial intelligence was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Artificial intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/artificial%20intelligence. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

artificial intelligence

noun
: the power of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior

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