limbic system

noun

: a group of subcortical structures (such as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation

Examples of limbic system in a Sentence

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.
Specifically, the seat of our mental map lies in a part of the brain called the limbic system. — Literary Hub, 14 Nov. 2025 How scent memory works in the brain Smell is processed in the brain’s limbic system, the region that handles emotion and memory. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026 The olfactory nerve is so tied to the brain’s limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, that the merest whiff can trigger a powerful rush of memories. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026 Why scent triggers memory so powerfully Smell is processed in the brain’s limbic system, the region that handles emotion and memory. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for limbic system

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limbic system was in 1952

Rhymes for limbic system

See All Rhymes for limbic system

Browse Nearby Words

limbic
limbic system
limbiferous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Limbic system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limbic%20system. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

limbic system

noun
: a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation

More from Merriam-Webster on limbic system

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about limbic system

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All