learning

noun learn·ing \ ˈlər-niŋ \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: learning in a Sentence

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

The result was the Toronto Declaration, which says companies need to make sure that machine learning does not extend discrimination.

— joseph menn, The Christian Science Monitor, "Silicon Valley employees increasingly push companies on ethics," 13 July 2018
But really, the colossal shift in the chip world came with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

— andy patrizio, Ars Technica, "The AI revolution has spawned a new chips arms race," 9 July 2018
Of course, organisms can adapt to environmental changes in ways that don’t necessarily imply learning.

— katia moskvitch, WIRED, "Slime Molds Remember—But Do They Learn?," 14 July 2018
Once the learning course is completed, students can receive their motorcycle license specification from the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

— adriana ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Oconomowoc Harley-Davidson continues construction on in-house training course," 13 July 2018
This expands into artificial intelligence and machine learning as well.

— lucinda shen, Fortune, "Term Sheet - Thursday, July 12," 12 July 2018
Most self-driving vehicles rely on a suite of sophisticated sensors, mapping data, and deep learning capabilities to handle the driving responsibilities.

— andrew j. hawkins, The Verge, "This electric driverless logging truck can carry up to 16 tons of timber," 12 July 2018
This is not the first time that those taking pictures destined for social media have encountered an unexpected learning lesson.

— lauren rearick, Teen Vogue, "Instagram Influencer Reveals She Was Bitten by Nurse Shark While Trying to Get a Photo," 11 July 2018
Conner Prairie Located just north of Indianapolis in Noblesville, Conner Prairie is the ultimate kids paradise for fun and learning.

— sarah bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

learning Synonyms

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

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