intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s How to pronounce intelligence (audio)
1
a(1)
: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : reason
also : the skilled use of reason
(2)
: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests)
b
: mental acuteness : shrewdness
c
Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind
2
b
: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area
also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information
3
: the act of understanding : comprehension
4
: the ability to perform computer functions
5
a
: intelligent minds or mind
cosmic intelligence
b
: an intelligent entity
especially : angel

Examples of intelligence in a Sentence

She impressed us with her superior intelligence. a person of average intelligence gathering intelligence about a neighboring country's activities
Recent Examples on the Web Raven refers to the test for fluid intelligence, CRT is the Cognitive Reasoning Test and ToM is Theory of Mind test as – fun fact – developed by Ali G’s dad, Simon Baron-Cohen. Steven Desmyter, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Artificial general intelligence, or AGI, is the still theoretical notion of an AI system that can handle tasks as well as or better than humans are able to. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2024 That approach to intelligence was also evident in Israel's pager attack, which simultaneously exploded the communication devices of Hezbollah members. Richard Windsor, theweek, 2 Oct. 2024 The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence, said the U.S. is actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations. Aamer Madhani, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intelligence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intelligence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of intelligence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near intelligence

Cite this Entry

“Intelligence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intelligence. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

intelligence

noun
in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s How to pronounce intelligence (audio)
1
: the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems : reason
2
b
: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy
also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

Medical Definition

intelligence

noun
in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s How to pronounce intelligence (audio)
1
a
: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations
b
: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)
2
: mental acuteness
intelligent adjective
intelligently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on intelligence

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