intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈin-tə-ˌlekt 
1
a
: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
b
: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought especially when highly developed
2
: a person with great intellectual powers
Examples of intellect in a Sentence
She is a woman of superior intellect.
She has a sharp intellect.
We were required to read a book every week in order to develop our intellects.
music that appeals to the intellect while still satisfying the emotions
Recent Examples on the Web
How could all their passion and intellect be allowed to go to waste?
—
Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Focusing on Young’s addiction feels reductive, especially when her catalog is filled with humor and intellect and skill.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026
At its core, reading a physical book, particularly a novel, connotes more than just taste, intellect, or even a desire to pass your time in a more productive way than doomscrolling.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
That effect, in Anderson’s succinct terms, is one of pleasure or displeasure—both are embedded in an experience as much of the body as the intellect.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
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Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Focusing on Young’s addiction feels reductive, especially when her catalog is filled with humor and intellect and skill.
—Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026
At its core, reading a physical book, particularly a novel, connotes more than just taste, intellect, or even a desire to pass your time in a more productive way than doomscrolling.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026
That effect, in Anderson’s succinct terms, is one of pleasure or displeasure—both are embedded in an experience as much of the body as the intellect.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intellect
Cite this Entry
“Intellect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellect. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt
1
a
: the power of knowing
b
: the capacity for thought especially when highly developed
2
: a person of notable intellect
Medical Definition
intellect
noun
in·tel·lect
ˈint-ᵊl-ˌekt
1
: the power of knowing as distinguished from the power to feel and to will : the capacity for knowledge
2
: the capacity for rational or intelligent thought
intellectually
adverb
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