learnt
Americanverb
verb
Usage
And is learnt in the dictionary? Learnt is a word. It is the simple past tense and the past participle of the verb learn. Learnt causes some confusion because learned is also a valid form for the past tense and past participle of learn. Learned is more commonly used than learnt.
What's the past tense of learn?
The past tense of learn can be either learned or learnt, with learned being more common. For example:- Last night, she learned all her times tables by heart.
- Last night, she learnt her times tables by heart.
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.
Teasdale learnt both ballet and gymnastics to develop his footwork and skills in the ring and was seemingly set for stardom.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026
"I have learnt so much, I have met people all around the world, and it has been delightful," she said.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Bishop said: "I went out for a motorbike ride with Tim Peake, who's a brilliant lad and a great cyclist. I learnt a lesson today. Astronauts are better motorcyclists than comedians."
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
During her courses, she learnt about tinting, waxing, facials and massage, which was taught as a separate module.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
That's something your Mr Lindsay learnt quickly enough.'
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
