cognitive map

noun

: a representation formed in the mind of one's spatial environment
Ms. Roseman cannot form cognitive maps—the brain's way of representing spatial relationships. She has no inner compass.—Michelle Coomber, The New York Times
The rats seem to develop a cognitive map, a mental representation of the maze.—David G. Myers, Psychology

Dictionary Entries Near cognitive map

cognitive dissonance

cognitive map

cognitive neuroscience

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cognitive map.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/cognitive%20map. Accessed 28 Jan. 2023.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of doctrinaire

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

The Great British Vocabulary Quiz

  • union jack speech bubble
  • Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games