forebrain
noun
fore·brain
ˈfȯr-ˌbrān 
: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions
called also prosencephalon
compare diencephalon, telencephalonExamples of forebrain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At that point, rather than consulting someone who obsesses over how caffeine focuses us by blocking adenosine receptors in the basal forebrain, philosophers should hold sway.
—
Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025
In September 2024, these miniature pollutants were also discovered in the human olfactory bulb, a type of brain tissue that sits above the nose in the forebrain.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
After many tests and scans, Storm was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a right forebrain lesion.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Humans have two olfactory bulbs located in the forebrain, which are connected to each nasal cavity by the olfactory nerve.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for forebrain
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025
In September 2024, these miniature pollutants were also discovered in the human olfactory bulb, a type of brain tissue that sits above the nose in the forebrain.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
After many tests and scans, Storm was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a right forebrain lesion.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Humans have two olfactory bulbs located in the forebrain, which are connected to each nasal cavity by the olfactory nerve.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for forebrain
Cite this Entry
“Forebrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forebrain. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
forebrain
noun
fore·brain
ˈfō(ə)r-brān
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
: the front division of the embryonic brain of a vertebrate animal or the parts developed from it
Medical Definition
forebrain
noun
fore·brain
-ˌbrān
: the anterior of the three primary divisions of the developing vertebrate brain or the corresponding part of the adult brain that includes especially the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus and that especially in higher vertebrates is the main control center for sensory and associative information processing, visceral functions, and voluntary motor functions
called also prosencephalon
see diencephalon, telencephalonLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share