[lurn] /lɜrn/

verb (used with object), learned
[lurnd] /lɜrnd/ (Show IPA) or learnt, learning.
to learn French; to learn to ski.
to become informed of or acquainted with; ascertain:
to learn the truth.
to memorize:
She learned patience from her father.
Nonstandard. to instruct in; teach.
verb (used without object), learned
to acquire knowledge or skill:
to learn rapidly.
to become informed (usually followed by of):
to learn of an accident.
verb learns, learning, learned (lɜːnd), learnt
(transitive) to commit to memory
(transitive) to gain by experience, example, etc
(not standard) to teach


The transitive sense (He learned me how to read), now vulgar, was acceptable from c.1200 until early 19c., from Old English læran “to teach” (cf. Dutch leren, German lehren “to teach,” literally “to make known;” see lore), and is preserved in past participle adjective learned “having knowledge gained by study.” Related: Learning.


Read Also:

  • Learned drive

    learned drive n. See motive.

  • Learning

    [lur-ning] /ˈlɜr nɪŋ/ noun 1. knowledge acquired by systematic study in any field of scholarly application. 2. the act or process of acquiring knowledge or skill. 3. Psychology. the modification of behavior through practice, training, or experience. [lurn] /lɜrn/ verb (used with object), learned [lurnd] /lɜrnd/ (Show IPA) or learnt, learning. 1. to acquire knowledge […]

  • Learning-resources-center

    noun 1. a library, usually in an educational institution, that includes and encourages the use of audiovisual aids and other special materials for learning in addition to books, periodicals, and the like.

  • Learn the ropes

    verb phrase To learn the elements of a task or profession; serve one’s apprenticeship: Stokovich and a mope from Justice who was at the time learning the ropes (1977+)
