concept

noun

con·​cept ˈkän-ˌsept 

1

a

: something conceived in the mind : thought, notion

When Merv Griffin came up with the concept for Wheel of Fortune in 1973, he wanted a wheel similar to the … wheel seen at casinos.

—Martin Holmes

b

—used in phrases like what a concept to say that a notion is self-evident

We've seen … that as access to women's sports increases, so does the interest. What a concept!

—Nancy Armour

2

: an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances

the basic concepts of psychology

a concept borrowed from computer programming

They seem a little unclear on the concept of good manners.

Synonyms of concept

• notion
• conception
• stereotype
• theory

Choose the Right Synonym for concept

idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan).

idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed.

innovative ideas

my idea of paradise

concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be.

a society with no concept of private property

conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result.

our changing conception of what constitutes art

thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining.

commit your thoughts to paper

notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental.

you have the oddest notions

impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses.

the first impression is of soaring height

Examples of concept in a Sentence

She is familiar with basic concepts of psychology.

a concept borrowed from computer programming

Recent Examples on the Web

At Miraval Berkshires—as at the properties in Austin and Arizona—science and the philosophy of well-being combine in a way that is changing the concept of high-end hospitality in a high-pressured world. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 June 2026

In War and Peace, Tolstoy’s concept—among a million other things—was to show how the young people who lived through the Napoleonic invasion went on to lead Russia’s first democratic uprising, the Decembrist Revolt of 1825. —Literary Hub, 2 June 2026

The secluded location, a quick 30-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, and all-inclusive concept draw resort dwellers who prefer to stay put on the property and relax, soaking up the immediate surroundings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Blue-light blocking glasses McCarty says that blue-light blocking glasses are based on a legitimate biological concept (that blue light affects circadian rhythms and melatonin production). —Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin conceptum, neuter of conceptus, past participle of concipere to conceive — more at conceive

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing concept

• concept album
• concept car
• high-concept
• proof of concept
• self-concept
• unclear on the concept of

Kids Definition

concept

noun

con·​cept

ˈkän-ˌsept

1

: something conceived in the mind : thought, notion

2

: a general idea

the basic concepts of physics

conceptual

kən-ˈsep-chə(-wə)l, 

-ˈsepsh-wəl

adjective

Medical Definition

concept

noun

con·​cept ˈkän-ˌsept 

1

: something conceived in the mind

2

: an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances