learning

noun

learn·​ing ˈlər-niŋ How to pronounce learning (audio)
Synonyms of learningnext
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)
4
: machine learning
Unsupervised learning, also known as unsupervised machine learning, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and cluster unlabeled datasets. These algorithms discover hidden patterns or data groupings without the need for human intervention.—IBM
Supervised machine learning requires labeled data to adjust the parameters of the model during training. … But without quality training data, supervised learning models will end up making poor inferences.—Ben Dickson
Reinforcement machine learning trains machines through trial and error to take the best action by establishing a reward system. Reinforcement learning can train models to play games or train autonomous vehicles to drive by telling the machine when it made the right decisions, which helps it learn over time what actions it should take.—Sara Brown
a learning system/model/algorithm

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 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.
But over the last decade and a half, the goal of learning has given way to proxies for learning: grades and degrees. —Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 Preventing the production of this protein prevented the recall of the memory of the learning experience in question. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 6 Nov. 2024 In August, the board voted 4-1 to prohibit certain types of instruction related to critical race theory and social and emotional learning. —Nick Sullivan, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Rapid experimentation should be at the core of C-suite operations, fostering a culture of iterative learning that can keep pace with the nonlinear nature of the BANI world. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for learning 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of learning was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing learning

Dictionary Entries Near learning

learner driver

learning

learning curve

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Learning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/learning. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

learning

noun
learn·​ing
ˈlər-niŋ
1
: the act or experience of one that learns
2
: knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study

Medical Definition

learning

noun
learn·​ing
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on learning

Nglish: Translation of learning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of learning for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about learning

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