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

Between January to December 2024, an artificial intelligence threat analysis system analyzed 1.6 million posts and comments. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 17 June 2025

Founded in 2021, Helsing sells software that uses artificial intelligence technology to analyze large amounts of sensor and weapons system data from the battlefield to inform military decisions in real time. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 17 June 2025

With nuance and subtlety, with grace and deep feeling, Jayson Greene writes about the most ancient of human stories of love and grief, alongside the pressing, hypermodern concerns of the digital age, like artificial intelligence. —Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025

The rise of artificial intelligence and the popularity of online classes have led to an explosion of financial aid fraud. —Sharon Lurye, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 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