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intelligence

noun
in·​tel·​li·​gence | \ in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s How to pronounce intelligence (audio) \

Definition of intelligence

1a(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)
c : mental acuteness : shrewdness
b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind
2a : 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
5a : intelligent minds or mind cosmic intelligence
b : an intelligent entity especially : angel
Other Words from intelligence Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about intelligence

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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
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Naturally, people with a high degree of EQ make more money, an average of $29,000 more per year than people with a low degree of emotional intelligence. — Dr. Travis Bradberry, Quartz at Work, "Nine skills you should learn that pay off forever," 13 Aug. 2019 Her mother, Meabh, from Belfast, is the co-owner of a consumer data intelligence firm in London, according to her page on the social network. — Reuters, The Mercury News, "Missing British schoolgirl found dead in jungle," 13 Aug. 2019 The twosome is a nightmare matchup, all quick hands, sharp reflexes and loads of basketball intelligence. — Kellen Becoats, SI.com, "A Storm's Brewing: How Seattle's Defense Continues to Lead It to Wins," 12 Aug. 2019 Meanwhile, national security and intelligence officials warn that future elections remain targets for hackers — and that Russia will be back. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "How TikTok could fail," 7 Aug. 2019 Darlington researched the ways that chromosomes influenced heredity, which eventually grew into an interest in eugenics, particularly the role of race in the inheritance of intelligence. — Leila Mcneill, Smithsonian, "The Pioneering Female Botanist Who Sweetened a Nation and Saved a Valley," 1 Aug. 2019 The first such coordinator will be Shelby Pierson, a career intelligence official. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, "Trust the process, &c.," 29 July 2019 Until 2005, the country’s senior intelligence official ran the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). — J.e.f. | Washington, The Economist, "Dan Coats is to step down as director of national intelligence," 29 July 2019 Prejudice was hidden beneath a surface of politeness and civility that scarcely masked the assumption of superiority, of greater intelligence, of entitlement. — Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, "Race, History, and Memories of a Virginia Girlhood," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intelligence.' 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 intelligence

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

History and Etymology for intelligence

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

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More Definitions for intelligence

intelligence

noun
How to pronounce intelligence (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intelligence

: the ability to learn or understand things or to deal with new or difficult situations
: secret information that a government collects about an enemy or possible enemy also : a government organization that collects such information

See the full definition for intelligence in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intelligence

noun
in·​tel·​li·​gence | \ in-ˈte-lə-jəns How to pronounce intelligence (audio) \

Kids Definition of intelligence

1 : the ability to learn and understand The test measures intelligence.
2 : secret information collected about an enemy or a possible enemy

intelligence

noun
in·​tel·​li·​gence | \ in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s How to pronounce intelligence (audio) \

Medical Definition of intelligence

1a : 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

Other Words from intelligence

intelligent \ in-​ˈtel-​ə-​jənt How to pronounce intelligent (audio) \ adjective
intelligently adverb

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