learn

[lurn]

verb (used with object)

learned, learnt, learning. 

1. to acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, instruction, or experience.

   to learn French;

   to learn to ski.

2. to become informed of or acquainted with; ascertain.

   to learn the truth.

3. to memorize.

   He learned the poem so he could recite it at the dinner.

4. to gain (a habit, mannerism, etc.) by experience, exposure to example, or the like; acquire.

   She learned patience from her father.

5. (of a device or machine, especially a computer) to perform an analogue of human learning with artificial intelligence.

6. Nonstandard.,  to instruct in; teach.

verb (used without object)

learned, learnt, learning. 

1. to acquire knowledge or skill.

   to learn rapidly.

2. to become informed (usually followed byof ).

   to learn of an accident.

learn

/ lɜːn /

verb

1. (when tr, may take a clause as object) to gain knowledge of (something) or acquire skill in (some art or practice)

2. (tr) to commit to memory

3. (tr) to gain by experience, example, etc

4. (intr; often foll by of or about) to become informed; know

5. not_standard,  to teach

Other Word Forms

• learnable adjective
• mislearn verb
• outlearn verb (used with object)
• relearn verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of learn¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English lernen, Old English leornian “to learn, read, ponder” (cognate with German lernen ); akin to lesan “to glean” (cognate with German lesen “to read”). See lear

Word History and Origins

Origin of learn¹

Old English leornian; related to Old High German lirnen

Idioms and Phrases

• by heart, learn
• little knowledge (learning) is a dangerous thing
• live and learn

Example Sentences

In 2020 the Japanese Aerospace eXploration Agency sent out Hayabusa2 to learn more about the smallest of asteroids flying around in our Solar System and bring back some samples.

Read more on Space Scoop

Seeking eternal life, he learns the secret of 72 Transformations from a venerated Buddhist teacher and then becomes an irreverent show-off.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They set the enforcement date for after the holiday season to ensure that families, who travel less often, learn about the change.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Each stage reflects a different way the brain supports thinking, learning, and behavior as we grow, mature, and eventually experience age-related decline.

Read more on Science Daily

This exchange is essential for learning, memory formation and the processing of information.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• determine 
• enroll 
• gain 
• get 
• grasp 
• master 
• pick up 
• read 
• receive 
• review 
• study 

When To Use

What are other ways to say learn?

To learn something is to acquire knowledge of it through study or experience. How does learn compare with discover, ascertain, and detect? Find out on Thesaurus.com.