Pavlovian

American

[pav-loh-vee-uhn, -law-, -lov-ee-] / pævˈloʊ vi ən, -ˈlɔ-, -ˈlɒv i- /

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Pavlov or his work, especially of experiments in which he elicited predictable responses from laboratory animals.

Pavlovian British

/ pævˈləʊvɪən /

adjective

of or relating to the work of Ivan Pavlov
(of a reaction or response) automatic; involuntary

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Pavlovian

First recorded in 1925–30; Pavlov + -ian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To better understand this relationship, researchers studied rodent brain tissue and monitored the behavior of rats during Pavlovian cue-reward tests.

From Science Daily • Dec. 10, 2025

He seems to enjoy repeating the line because it elicits cheers from his audiences, who react as if in the grip of a Pavlovian reflex.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2024

It’s probably unwise to reach for too much meaning from an assemblage of Pavlovian internet clicks.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

Seeing that X logo definitely doesn't inspire any Pavlovian urge to open the app.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2023

I looked up and, for some sick, Pavlovian reason, flashed her a quick smile.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023