intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s 

1

a(1)

: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : reason

also : the skilled use of reason

(2)

: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests)

b

: mental acuteness : shrewdness

c

Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind

2

a

: information, news

b

: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area

also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

3

: the act of understanding : comprehension

4

: the ability to perform computer functions

5

a

: intelligent minds or mind

cosmic intelligence

b

: an intelligent entity

especially : angel

Synonyms

• brain(s)
• brainpower
• gray matter
• headpiece
• intellect
• intellectuality
• mentality
• reason
• sense
• smarts

Examples of intelligence in a Sentence

She impressed us with her superior intelligence.

a person of average intelligence

gathering intelligence about a neighboring country's activities

Recent Examples on the Web

The group is a terrorist organization made up of operatives, spies and intelligence officials from agencies around the world who want to create a new world order. —Keith Langston, People.com, 24 May 2025

According to a new assessment from no fewer than 11 countries’ intelligence agencies, the hacker group has been targeting a broad array of technology and logistics firms involved in providing aid to Ukraine. —Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 24 May 2025

The statement, delivered through state media, came after reports that U.S. intelligence believes Israel may be preparing for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear sites. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

Cheung credited her own experience moving from president of S&P’s market intelligence arm to its credit rating agency, and then leading due diligence in two global acquisitions, for best preparing her for the top role at the firm. —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin intelligentia, from intelligent-, intelligens intelligent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing intelligence

• artificial intelligence
• emotional intelligence
• generative artificial intelligence
• insult someone's intelligence
• intelligence quotient
• intelligence test

Rhymes for intelligence

• counterintelligence

Kids Definition

intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s 

1

: the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems : reason

2

a

: news sense 1a

b

: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy

also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

Medical Definition

intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s 

1

a

: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations

b

: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests)

2

: mental acuteness

intelligent

in-ˈtel-ə-jənt 

adjective

intelligently adverb