language model

noun

plural language models

: a mathematical model (see model entry 1 sense 3) that analyzes a corpus of text in order to accurately represent the relationships between words

We have tremendous freedom to put words in any order we like. The computer has to have some kind of handle, a language model. It has to figure how likely any particular word is to pop up at any time.

—Robert Mercer, quoted in Chicago Tribune

also : software that uses a language model to generate text (such as responses to queries or prompts)

For example, given the task of analyzing the sentiment of the sentence 'I missed the bus today,' researchers could continue with the prompt 'I felt so [blank]' and ask a language model to fill in the blank with an emotion.

—Kyle Wiggers

see also large language model

Examples of language model in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most promising advances in risk management is the development of domain-specific language models (LMs). —Ed Gaudet, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The Next Frontier: Offline AI Future plans include integrating small language models (SLMs) directly into the box. —IEEE Spectrum, 19 Apr. 2025

Early signs of misaligned behaviors, like strategic lying, have already been identified by researchers working with today’s language models. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 15 Apr. 2025

From basic token generation to advanced reasoning, language models have matured significantly within three years. —Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for language model

• caudal
• caudle
• dawdle
• twaddle
• waddle
• remodel