1 concept | Definition of concept

concept

noun
con·​cept | \ ˈkän-ËŒsept How to pronounce concept (audio) \

Definition of concept

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something conceived in the mind : thought, notion
2 : an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances the basic concepts of psychology the concept of gravity

concept

adjective

Definition of concept (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : organized around a main idea or theme a concept album
2 : created to illustrate a concept a concept car

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Choose the Right Synonym for concept

Noun

idea, concept, conception, thought, notion, impression mean what exists in the mind as a representation (as of something comprehended) or as a formulation (as of a plan). idea may apply to a mental image or formulation of something seen or known or imagined, to a pure abstraction, or to something assumed or vaguely sensed. innovative ideas my idea of paradise concept may apply to the idea formed by consideration of instances of a species or genus or, more broadly, to any idea of what a thing ought to be. a society with no concept of private property conception is often interchangeable with concept; it may stress the process of imagining or formulating rather than the result. our changing conception of what constitutes art thought is likely to suggest the result of reflecting, reasoning, or meditating rather than of imagining. commit your thoughts to paper notion suggests an idea not much resolved by analysis or reflection and may suggest the capricious or accidental. you have the oddest notions impression applies to an idea or notion resulting immediately from some stimulation of the senses. the first impression is of soaring height

Examples of concept in a Sentence

Noun

She is familiar with basic concepts of psychology. a concept borrowed from computer programming

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The company has opened more than 1,100 in-store clinics through the MinuteClinic brand, adopted a new concept store model called HealthHUBs after a pilot in Houston and acquired health insurer Aetna. Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY, "How quitting tobacco reshaped CVS: Q&A with CEO Larry Merlo," 3 Sep. 2019 Australia will provide a training vessel in preparation for East Timor taking delivery of the patrol boats and pay for the concept design of a broader upgrade of the base, Morrison said. Washington Post, "Australia to improve East Timorese internet and naval base," 30 Aug. 2019 The show is a concept musical that centers on 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line and is set on the bare state of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. Emily Sorensen, Pomerado News, "Welk Theatre Resort’s 2020 season includes musicals, tribute shows," 29 Aug. 2019 This new concept store is touted as having more of an urban feel with a neighborhood grocer appeal. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Meijer promising different look and feel at new Royal Oak store," 28 Aug. 2019 Here’s a first look at their characters, Joe Gardner and 22, and a new piece of concept art. Lars Brandle, Billboard, "Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross to Score Pixar's 'Soul'," 26 Aug. 2019 Disney further revealed new concept art for its new Avengers Campus themed lands under construction at California Adventure and Disneyland Paris. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, "Disney reveals Moana, Marvel attraction details for Epcot, California Adventure," 23 Aug. 2019 Enduring Pigalle hangouts include Le Pantruche restaurant, Mamiche bakery, and the Bloc de l'Est concept store. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "These 6 European Apartments Are Basically Private Design Hotels," 23 Aug. 2019 For more on the art and design of Sea of Solitude, check out the selection of concept art below. Andrew Webster, The Verge, "How the creators of Sea of Solitude turned fear and anxiety into monsters," 13 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Concept art showed a mystical, face-having tree looming over a parking lot full of ordinary looking sedans. Joanna Robinson, HWD, "Everything You Need to Know About Disney and Pixar’s Dazzling New Slate," 14 July 2017 Concept art showed a mystical, face-having tree looming over a parking lot full of ordinary looking sedans. Joanna Robinson, vanityfair.com, "Everything You Need to Know About Disney and Pixar’s Dazzling New Slate," 14 July 2017 Concept cars are built to introduce bold ideas, practical and otherwise. The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Your car wants to say hello. And that’s only the start.," 10 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'concept.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of concept

Noun

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for concept

Noun and Adjective

Latin conceptum, neuter of conceptus, past participle of concipere to conceive — more at conceive

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More Definitions for concept

concept

noun

English Language Learners Definition of concept

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: an idea of what something is or how it works

concept

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of concept (Entry 2 of 2)

: organized around a main idea or theme
: created to show an idea

concept

noun
con·​cept | \ ˈkän-ËŒsept How to pronounce concept (audio) \

Kids Definition of concept

: something thought of : a general idea concepts of science

concept

noun
con·​cept | \ ˈkän-ËŒsept How to pronounce concept (audio) \

Medical Definition of concept

1 : something conceived in the mind
2 : an abstract or generic idea generalized from particular instances