learn

verb

\ 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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Synonyms & Antonyms for learn

Synonyms

get, master, pick up

Antonyms

unlearn

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

To learn how to make your own handmade houseplants, order a copy of Corrie Beth Hogg's book, Handmade Houseplants, and follow the step-by-step instructions. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Handmade Houseplants Will Change The Way You Think Of Art," 12 Feb. 2019 Those who thrive in corporate settings often must learn new skills. — Sue Shellenbarger, WSJ, "The Downside of Carrying the Most Weight at Work," 29 Jan. 2019 Several banks and credit unions have also offered no-interest loans and other help for federal workers—learn about that here. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "How to Help Federal Workers During the Government Shutdown," 25 Jan. 2019 In conversation with Wully Struthers, a formerly homeless Pet Refuge service user, Meghan learned more about how the charity supports vulnerable people trying to keep their pets during tough times. — Omid Scobie, Harper's BAZAAR, "Duchess Meghan Falls in Love with Rescue Dogs at First Mayhew Engagement as Patron," 16 Jan. 2019 Guests can learn to weave, hunt with a blowpipe, and fish sustainably with poisonous roots, but there are also opportunities to teach in the local school. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, "28 Places Our Travel Specialists Say You Should Go in 2019," 17 Dec. 2018 For all its advantages, learning how to actually insert NuvaRing can feel intimidating. — Korin Miller, SELF, "How to Insert NuvaRing So It Stays in Place," 25 Jan. 2019 More importantly, the results from this study can help scientists learn more about rogue waves in general. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Made a Wave in a Lab That Looks Almost Exactly Like a Famous Artwork," 25 Jan. 2019 But paying people to keep silent, as both Trump and Weinstein learned, is not foolproof. — Ben Widdicombe, Town & Country, "How Much Does It Cost to Keep Your Name Out of the News?," 18 Jan. 2019

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.