cognition

noun

cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈni-shən How to pronounce cognition (audio)
Synonyms of cognition
: cognitive mental processes
A concussion impaired the patient's cognition.
also : a product of these processes
cognitional
käg-ˈni-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce cognition (audio)
adjective

Examples of cognition in a Sentence

disabilities affecting cognition and judgment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It has been shown to improve immune function, memory, cognition and even gut health. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2026 Pretty soon, people in this optimizer group are going to suffer from the same sort of hollowing-out process as the low-cognition folks. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 But a new clinical trial found that supplements did nothing to improve memory, cognition, or brain cell loss. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 Lion’s mane is among the most studied, with research suggesting benefits for memory, cognition and gut health. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cognition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cognicioun "comprehension, ability to comprehend," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French cognicion "knowledge, jurisdiction," borrowed from Latin cognitiōn-, cognitiō "act of getting to know, comprehension, investigation," from cogni-, variant stem of cognōscere "to get to know, acquire knowledge of, become acquainted with, investigate" (from co- co- + gnōscere, nōscere "to get to know," inchoative derivative from Indo-European *ǵneh3-, *ǵṇh3- "to know, recognize") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at know entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cognition was in the 15th century

Rhymes for cognition

See All Rhymes for cognition

Browse Nearby Words

cognatus
cognition
cognitional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cognition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognition. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cognition

noun
cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce cognition (audio)
: the act or process of knowing

Medical Definition

cognition

noun
cog·​ni·​tion käg-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce cognition (audio)
1
: cognitive mental processes
2
: a conscious intellectual act
conflict between cognitions
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