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

Americans have placed an unprecedented bet on the transformative power of artificial intelligence. — Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

In its current iteration, SpaceX is largely a data company seeking to provide enormous amounts of compute for artificial intelligence. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, the same academia that once deemed Wikipedia dangerous is throwing open its doors to artificial intelligence. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

The survey showed broad consensus on artificial intelligence, both as a driver of future demand and as a way to unlock efficiencies from the wellhead to distribution. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 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