machine learning
noun
1
: a computational method that is a subfield of artificial intelligence and that enables a computer to learn to perform tasks by analyzing a large dataset without being explicitly programmed
The company is curating the overall topics manually, but Twitter will be relying on machine learning to intelligently populate the topics themselves so that the tweets can stay up to date.—
Lucas Matney
Lucas MatneyUnsupervised learning, also known as unsupervised machine learning, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and cluster unlabeled datasets. These algorithms discover hidden patterns or data groupings without the need for human intervention.—IBM
IBMSupervised machine learning requires labeled data to adjust the parameters of the model during training. … But without quality training data, supervised learning models will end up making poor inferences.—Ben Dickson
Ben DicksonReinforcement machine learning trains machines through trial and error to take the best action by establishing a reward system. Reinforcement learning can train models to play games or train autonomous vehicles to drive by telling the machine when it made the right decisions, which helps it learn over time what actions it should take.—Sara Brown
Sara Brown2
: the branch of computer science that employs machine learning
An entire subspecialty known as machine learning is devoted to building algorithms that allow computers to develop new behaviors based on experience.—Adam Piore
Adam PioreWhile many scholars in the developing field of machine learning were focused on improving algorithms, [Cynthia] Rudin instead wanted to use AI's power to help society.—Duke University
—abbreviation ML
Duke UniversityExamples of machine learning in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The typical layout includes signs running across the top of a seal with an animal figure underneath.
Scholars like Rao have increasingly turned to computer science and machine learning tools to identify patterns in the arrangement of these signs and symbols.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
The quantum physics algorithms calculate the molecular structures, and the resulting datasets are used for machine learning to train its AI models.
—Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025
This sophisticated machine learning denoiser features a ground-breaking kernel-predicting convolutional network and temporal stability.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
The environmental group also shared its file with Stanford University researchers who used machine learning to create their own map of poultry barns.
—Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for machine learning 
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.
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
The quantum physics algorithms calculate the molecular structures, and the resulting datasets are used for machine learning to train its AI models.
—Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025
This sophisticated machine learning denoiser features a ground-breaking kernel-predicting convolutional network and temporal stability.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
The environmental group also shared its file with Stanford University researchers who used machine learning to create their own map of poultry barns.
—Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for machine learning
Articles Related to machine learning
Dictionary Entries Near machine learning
Cite this Entry
“Machine learning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machine%20learning. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share