learn

verb

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\ ˈlərn

learned\ ˈlərnd

, ˈlərnt

\; learning

Definition of learn

transitive verb

1a(1) : to gain knowledge or understanding of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience learn a trade learned to play chess

(2) : memorize learn the lines of a play

b : to come to be able learn to dance

c : to come to realize learned that honesty paid

2a nonstandard : teach

b obsolete : to inform of something

3 : to come to know : hear we just learned that he was ill

intransitive verb

: to acquire knowledge or skill or a behavioral tendency were shocked to learn of her death

Other Words from learn Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Can learn mean teach?: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about learn

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Choose the Right Synonym for learn

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know. discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter. discovered the source of the river ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty. attempts to ascertain the population of the region determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely. unable to determine the origin of the word unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden. unearth old records learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice. I learned her name only today learning Greek

Can learn mean teach?: Usage Guide

Learn in the sense of "teach" dates from the 13th century and was standard until at least the early 19th. made them drunk with true Hollands—and then learned them the art of making bargains — Washington Irving But by Mark Twain's time it was receding to a speech form associated chiefly with the less educated. never done nothing for three months but set in his back yard and learn that frog to jump — Mark Twain The present-day status of learn has not risen. This use persists in speech, but in writing it appears mainly in the representation of such speech or its deliberate imitation for effect.

Examples of learn in a Sentence

People learn throughout their lives. I can't swim yet, but I'm learning. She's interested in learning French. We had to learn the rules of the game. I'm trying to learn my lines for the play. We had to learn the names of the state capitals. She learned through a letter that her father had died. I later learned that they had never called. We finally learned the truth about what had happened.

Recent Examples on the Web But the company’s practice of limiting such warnings to those with close contact is alarming some workers, who rely on word of mouth to learn of incidents of workplace exposures. — Chronicle Staff, SFChronicle.com, "Coronavirus news from the Bay Area: July 28-29," 1 Aug. 2020 How exactly the two planes collided is what investigators are trying to learn. — Morgan Krakow, Anchorage Daily News, "NTSB recovering planes in midair collision near Soldotna that killed 7, including legislator and local pilot," 1 Aug. 2020 Some experts are documenting these camp lessons so schools can learn from them and adopt best practices. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "Want to reopen schools? Summer camps show how complicated it’ll be.," 31 July 2020 As a result of his injuries, Morgan had to learn to walk again. — Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, "Tracy Morgan, wife Megan Wollover announce divorce after nearly 5 years of marriage," 30 July 2020 The idea is to learn from your experiences and mistakes, without having to relive them on a loop. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, "Ask Amy: Job seeker wants tips for successful phone interviews," 2 July 2020 For more information on the program, make reservations, or learn about Apollo’s Fire’s next season starting in October, visit apollosfire.org or call 216-320-0012. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland, "Apollo’s Fire postpones ‘Blues Cafe 1610’ show at Music Box due to coronavirus," 13 July 2020 While going to the aquarium is a great way to learn about sea creatures, some have raised concerns about the animals’ quality of life. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, "These $26 Million Robot Dolphins May Be the Future of Aquariums," 13 July 2020 Nature lovers of all ages can join Cincinnati Park staff to learn about the natural world around us. — Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, "Things to do in Cincinnati this week, July 12-18," 13 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'learn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.