v. (past and past part. learned or learnt) 1 tr. gain knowledge of or skill in by study, experience, or being taught. 2 tr. (foll. by to + infin.) acquire or develop a particular ability (learn to swim). 3 tr. commit to memory (will try to learn your names). 4 intr. (foll. by of) be informed about. 5 tr. (foll. by that, how, etc. + clause) become aware of by information or from observation. 6 intr. receive instruction; acquire knowledge or skill. 7 tr. archaic or sl. teach. learn one's lesson see LESSON. learnable adj. learnability n.
[ OE leornian f. Gmc: cf. LORE(1) ]