frontal lobe

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. the anterior part of each cerebral hemisphere, in front of the central sulcus.

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frontal lobe British  

noun

1. anatomy the anterior portion of each cerebral hemisphere, situated in front of the central sulcus

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frontal lobe Scientific  

/ frŭn′tl /

1. The largest and forwardmost lobe of each cerebral hemisphere, responsible for the control of skilled motor activity, including speech. Mood and the ability to think are also controlled by the frontal lobe.

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Etymology

Origin of frontal lobe

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The frontal lobe is responsible for many higher level abilities, including planning, decision making, judgment, and emotional control.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

“I think there’s something to be said for frontal lobe development,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026

In typical cases, the exposure damages the brain’s frontal lobe, which slows cognition, impairs impulse control, restricts dopamine production and affects mood.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

I feel like—and I think it comes with turning 25—but my frontal lobe has developed and it’s like, “All right, time to be an adult now.”

From Slate • Dec. 11, 2025

When a person is clearheaded, the frontal lobe becomes freed of the humming and buzz of external pressure.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel