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

Volunteering or being a doting grandparent are ways of not only giving back but also improving your mood and even cognition, studies show. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Guest Josie Burridge, PhD, MPH, brings a researcher’s perspective to the conversation, breaking down which supplements show promise for longevity, cognition, skin health, and more. — Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2026

The study can’t prove that good sleep improves cognition in people with cardiometabolic disease. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The trial was halted early, though, when results indicated that the drug was worsening people’s cognition. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 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