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

By integrating artificial intelligence, computer vision and data analytics, driverless tractors can conduct soil tests, optimize seed selection, execute precise planting, and create detailed field maps—redefining what’s possible in agriculture. —Josh Max, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025

Inconsistent Data Integrity Because of the name ‘artificial intelligence,’ there is a common misconception that AI is capable of original thought. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 May 2025

Until recently, the U.S. president repeatedly bragged about the $500 billion that Apple in February pledged to invest domestically as part of its development of artificial intelligence technologies. —Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025

Instead, Apple pledged to fund a Houston data center for computer servers powering artificial intelligence — a technology the company is expanding into as part of an industrywide craze. —Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1955, 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