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

Nearly 2 million people around the globe have taken Ng’s online course on machine learning.

— ryan nakashima, The Seattle Times, "Why AI visionary Andrew Ng teaches humans to teach computers," 21 Aug. 2017
Nearly 2 million people around the globe have taken Ng’s online course on machine learning.

— Washington Post, "Why AI visionary Andrew Ng teaches humans to teach computers," 21 Aug. 2017
Upon learning of the coming threat to a major interest of theirs, wouldn't the Iron Bank be motivated to provide sell-sword armies and resources to help man The Wall and defeat the White Walkers?

— matt miller, Esquire, "Game of Thrones Fans Noticed Jon Snow Has a Powerful Ally He Hasn't Used Yet," 18 Aug. 2017
Outlaw is replacing current Chief Mike Marshman, who opted for retirement after learning of Outlaw’s appointment.

— veronica hilbring, Essence.com, "Portland Mayor Selects First Black Woman Police Chief," 10 Aug. 2017
Discover the learning opportunities in the Early Childhood interactive library and catch and identify nature’s critters using sweep nets and magiscopes.

— kelly mcbride, Cincinnati.com, "Greenacres open house to showcase farm, art, education and fun," 10 Aug. 2017
Both of my experiences, despite the 8-year gap, have included great personal learning curves and challenges.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "We Talked to These TEDxTeen Speakers About Why They Want to Inspire Other Young People," 4 Aug. 2017
Down’s Syndrome Scotland scolded Gervais in a public statement; his frivolous use of mongol derivatives appeared irresponsible, and callous to those with learning disabilities.

— Longreads, "My Mongolian Spot," 1 Aug. 2017
Apple starts blogging Benedict Evans, a partner at Silicon Valley's Andreessen Horowitz, notes how Apple has launched a blog, its only one, on machine learning.

— vanityfair.com, "Is Trump Trying to “Throw the Attorney General of the United States Overboard”?," 25 July 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

learning Synonyms

Synonyms

erudition, knowledge, learnedness, education, literacy, scholarship

Antonyms

ignorance, illiteracy, illiterateness

Related Words

culture, edification, enlightenment; reading; bookishness, pedantry

Near Antonyms

functional illiteracy

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