machine learning

noun

1
: a computational method that is a subfield of artificial intelligence and that enables a computer to learn to perform tasks by analyzing a large dataset without being explicitly programmed
The company is curating the overall topics manually, but Twitter will be relying on machine learning to intelligently populate the topics themselves so that the tweets can stay up to date.Lucas Matney
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
2
: the branch of computer science that employs machine learning
An entire subspecialty known as machine learning is devoted to building algorithms that allow computers to develop new behaviors based on experience.Adam Piore
While many scholars in the developing field of machine learning were focused on improving algorithms, [Cynthia] Rudin instead wanted to use AI's power to help society.Duke University
abbreviation ML

Examples of machine learning in a Sentence

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Amazon has also been getting help from robots to stow items in warehouses, a task previously done by humans, and leverages machine learning to optimize inventory placement and demand forecasting. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 6 June 2025 By integrating large language models and machine learning algorithms at the system level, AI OS moves beyond the constraints of conventional software. Hashim Hayat, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 In December, researchers at the AI lab Google DeepMind also published in Nature results from its machine learning forecast system, called GenCast. Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 Researchers have been using machine learning techniques to analyze disinformation content. Azwad Anjum Islam, The Conversation, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for machine learning

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of machine learning was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Machine learning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machine%20learning. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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