learning

play

noun learn·ing \ˈlər-niŋ\

Definition of learning

1 : the act or experience of one that learns a computer program that makes learning fun
2 : knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study people of good education and considerable learning
3 : modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (such as exposure to conditioning)

See learning defined for English-language learners

See learning defined for kids

Examples of learning in a Sentence

a computer program that makes learning fun
different methods of foreign language learning
The first year of college was a learning experience.
They were people of good education and considerable learning.

Recent Examples of learning from the Web

A progressive, next-generation learning experience for children and their families.

— gege reed, The Courier-Journal, "19 kid-friendly activities in Louisville July 20-26," 19 July 2017
Overall, this is a learning opportunity for several people involved.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Did a Wealthy Investor Punch a Teen at a Fundraiser for Special-Needs Kids?," 18 July 2017
In October 2016 the White House noted in a report that China had overtaken America in the number of published journal articles on deep learning, a branch of AI.

— The Economist, "The algorithm kingdomChina may match or beat America in AI," 15 July 2017
Playing minor league baseball is a learning process, discovering things about your skills and how to deal with adversity.

— terry monahan, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Poway’s Nevin trying to shake injury jinx," 12 July 2017
The daily programming for children includes providing rich learning experiences aimed to help children master developmental milestone.

— Cincinnati.com, "Column: Promoting healthy learners; ready for success," 6 July 2017
UCM-Lee’s Summit is the university’s main off-campus learning facility, offering graduate- and undergraduate-level completion programs to Kansas City area students.

— kansascity, "Business leaders get a look at new campus," 4 July 2017
Some parents can afford to pay for camps that offer memorable learning opportunities for their children.

— michael alison chandler, Washington Post, "Specialized summer camps mean more enrichment for kids and more headaches for parents," 2 July 2017
Still, security companies employing machine learning have claimed success in blocking most malware, not just ransomware.

— anick jesdanun, The Seattle Times, "How artificial intelligence is taking on ransomware," 28 June 2017

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

First Known Use of learning

before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of learning

knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind. knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. rich in the knowledge of human nature learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling. a book that demonstrates vast learning erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning. an erudition unusual even in a scholar scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation. a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

LEARNING Defined for English Language Learners

learning

play

noun

Definition of learning for English Language Learners

: the activity or process of gaining knowledge or skill by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing something : the activity of someone who learns
: knowledge or skill gained from learning

LEARNING Defined for Kids

learning

noun learn·ing \ˈlər-niŋ\

Definition of learning for Students

1 : the act of a person who gains knowledge or skill Travel is a learning experience.
2 : knowledge or skill gained from teaching or study They're people of great learning.

Medical Dictionary

learning

noun learn·ing

Medical Definition of learning

: the process of acquiring a modification in a behavioral tendency by experience (as exposure to conditioning) in contrast to modifications occurring because of development or a temporary physiological condition (as fatigue) of the organism; also : the modified behavioral tendency itself