learned

adjective

1
ˈlər-nəd How to pronounce learned (audio) : characterized by or associated with learning : erudite
a learned scholar
a learned discussion
2
ˈlərnd How to pronounce learned (audio) ˈlərnt How to pronounce learned (audio) : acquired by learning
learned behavior
a learned response
learnedly adverb
learnedness noun

Examples of learned in a Sentence

We had a learned discussion about politics. the learned professor can speak knowledgeably on a wide array of subjects
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some of the industry’s challenges come down to the need to change learned behaviors, Brugal said, rather than to physical or technical roadblocks. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024 Bring back the learned society of common people reading and discussing challenging topics. Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024 The good news is that civility is also a learned skill. Teresa Hopke, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 If, as seems likely, better software and more powerful computers continue to develop, many of today’s learned professionals risk being replaced by machines in much the same way. Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2018 See all Example Sentences for learned 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of learned was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near learned

Cite this Entry

“Learned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learned. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

learned

adjective
learn·​ed
ˈlər-nəd
: having or showing learning : scholarly
learnedly adverb
learnedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on learned

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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