learn

SayLURN/lɝn//lɜːn/

Verblearns, learning, learned

Noun plurallearns

4 meanings of learn

1
verbtransitive or intransitive
To get knowledge or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught.
Like filling an empty box with new things, one at a time.
Children learn to read during their first years of school.
She is learning Spanish before her trip abroad.
UsageYou learn from a teacher; the teacher teaches you.
Similarmaster, acquire, study
Oppositeforget, unlearn
2
find outverbtransitive or intransitive
To find out about something, often by being told.
Like a letter arriving with news you didn't have before.
We learn the news from the radio each morning.
She learned that her flight had been canceled.
UsageSay learn about or learn of news.
Similarhear, discover
3
act of studynouncountable
The act of getting new knowledge or skills.
Like a lesson you carry away from doing something.
The game is a quick learn, even for kids.
Driving a stick shift was a hard learn for me.
UsageOften an easy learn: easy to pick up.

Less common meaning

4
teachverbdialectaltransitive
To teach someone something, used in non-standard English.
Like handing your own map to someone so they can find the way.
My grandpa will learn me how to fish this summer.
She learned him good manners when he was young.
UsagePeople joke That'll learn him! Normally, say teach.
Similarteach, show, instruct
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old English leornian, meaning "to learn." This word goes far back to older Germanic roots.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Learn comes from Old English leornian. en.wiktionary.org
Old English leornian meant to learn. en.wiktionary.org
Leornian has older Germanic ancestry. en.wiktionary.org