nous

American  

[noos, nous] / nus, naʊs /

noun

1. Greek Philosophy. mind or intellect.

2. Philosophy. (inNeoplatonism ) the first and purest emanation of the One, regarded as the self-contemplating order of the universe.

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nous British  

/ naʊs /

noun

1. metaphysics mind or reason, esp when regarded as the principle governing all things

2. slang common sense; intelligence

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Etymology

Origin of nous

First recorded in 1670–80; from Greek noûs, contracted variant of nóos “mind”

Example Sentences

But reigning world champion Cardona Coll showed all his experience to fight back and surge into the lead in an astonishing display of stamina and technical nous on the opening transition.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

England had mustered only 128 for nine but showcased their depth and nous, defending a total that looked well below par on a surface offering turn and bounce.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Last year's attempt was ended in the most extraordinary style by Djokovic who, playing through the pain of a torn hamstring, used his nous to baffle Alcaraz and come through a four-set thriller.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Political nous is the most important box to tick, Toms said, because CEO Elhedery—previously the bank’s chief financial officer—is seen more as a numbers whiz.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

I shook this treacherous woman’s hand and said coolly, en français pour que l’Hauptsturmführer, who doesn’t speak English, puisse nous comprendre, “I’m afraid I can’t tell you my name.”

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein