Definition of intellectual
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : of or relating to the intellect or its use
b : developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience : rational
c : requiring use of the intellect
intellectual games
2a : given to study, reflection, and speculation
b : engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect
intellectual playwrights
intellectual
nounDefinition of intellectual (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : an intellectual person
2 intellectuals plural, archaic : intellectual powers
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quizWords of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quizWord Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share intellectual
Time Traveler for intellectual
The first known use of intellectual was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century