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

This biomimetic approach to AI development would position Malaysia to export not just technological products, but technological philosophies — ways of thinking about intelligence that emerge from ecological rather than industrial metaphors. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

There are hints throughout the film that Elizabeth may have been an intelligence agent. —Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025

Allegations that the plane served as a front for Iranian intelligence operations in the region have drawn significant attention to the case in several South American countries, the United States and Israel. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025

Iran's nuclear program has been set back and delayed, according to Israeli and American intelligence assessments, by a number of years. —Meredith Wolf Schizer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 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