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
Unsupervised 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
Supervised 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
Reinforcement 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
2
: 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
While 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

Examples of machine learning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Acronis Cyber Protect also employs machine learning to monitor performance and reliability. PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024 Building a team of data scientists, machine learning engineers and AI ethicists is ideal. Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Applying machine learning algorithms to the data, the app assigns it one of 23 pH levels. New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024 In Sky Hammer Films Doc Hughes has decades of academic and applied experience in developing machine learning technologies and models at leading research institutions and major corporations. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for machine learning 

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of machine learning was in 1953

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 19 Nov. 2024.

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!