intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈte-lə-jən(t)s 

1

a(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)

b

: mental acuteness : shrewdness

c

Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind

2

a

: 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

5

a

: intelligent minds or mind

cosmic intelligence

b

: an intelligent entity

especially : angel

Synonyms

• intellect
• sense

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The official said that Israel had shared the intelligence with President Donald Trump but was preparing to strike with or without a green light or participation from the United States and that American support was not a condition for Israel’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. —Andrea Mitchell, NBC news, 11 July 2025

Suter thrived as a middle-six center in Vancouver, but also has high enough offensive intelligence to complement star players as a top-six winger. —Harman Dayal, New York Times, 11 July 2025

This is precisely why strategies that integrate the capabilities of artificial and human intelligence could help brands truly enhance and refine their creativity. —John Hall, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

But the termination of the policy does not feel justified by any new development in science, technology, intelligence, or geopolitics. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing intelligence

• artificial intelligence
• emotional intelligence
• generative artificial intelligence
• insult someone's intelligence
• intelligence quotient
• intelligence test

Rhymes for intelligence

• counterintelligence

Kids Definition

intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s 

1

: the ability to learn and understand or to deal with problems : reason

2

a

: news sense 1a

b

: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy

also : an agency engaged in obtaining such information

Medical Definition

intelligence

noun

in·​tel·​li·​gence in-ˈtel-ə-jən(t)s 

1

a

: 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

intelligent

in-ˈtel-ə-jənt 

adjective

intelligently adverb