cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈni-shən 

: cognitive mental processes

A concussion impaired the patient's cognition.

also : a product of these processes

cognitional

käg-ˈni-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

Its approach centered on using machine learning to train neural networks to learn and make decisions in ways that resemble human cognition, rather than programming actions and reactions individually or specializing software for specific tasks (such as playing chess or modeling climate systems). —Alison Eldridge, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026

Scientists already knew that sleep can influence aspects of health that are affected by aging, such as cognition, metabolism and the body’s ability to repair damaged cells. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 7 May 2026

Coloring helps Kathy with her dementia, calming her anxiety and helping stimulate cognition. —Janet W. Lee, NPR, 7 May 2026

Some medications typically used for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's may help with symptoms relating to cognition or movement, but there are many risks attached, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 6 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognicioun "comprehension, ability to comprehend," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French cognicion "knowledge, jurisdiction," borrowed from Latin cognitiōn-, cognitiō "act of getting to know, comprehension, investigation," from cogni-, variant stem of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of, become acquainted with, investigate" (from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere "to get to know," inchoative derivative from Indo-European *ǵneh₃-, *ǵṇh₃- "to know, recognize") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at know entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cognition

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition
• dismission

Kids Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

: the act or process of knowing

Medical Definition

cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən 

1

: cognitive mental processes

2

: a conscious intellectual act

conflict between cognitions