language model

noun

plural language models
: a mathematical model (see model entry 1 sense 3) that analyzes a corpus of text in order to accurately represent the relationships between words
We have tremendous freedom to put words in any order we like. The computer has to have some kind of handle, a language model. It has to figure how likely any particular word is to pop up at any time.Robert Mercer, quoted in Chicago Tribune
also : software that uses a language model to generate text (such as responses to queries or prompts)
For example, given the task of analyzing the sentiment of the sentence 'I missed the bus today,' researchers could continue with the prompt 'I felt so [blank]' and ask a language model to fill in the blank with an emotion. Kyle Wiggers
see also large language model

Examples of language model in a Sentence

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If future language models do achieve consciousness, then the problem vanishes (and new, more serious ones take its place). Paul Bloom, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 For the last two years, the company has used Google’s Gemini language model to power much of its AI features — and this year is no different. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 9 July 2025 These are sophisticated conversational agents designed to engage with children’s most vulnerable moments via advanced language models. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Microsoft's panel of 21 U.S. and U.K. doctors had a median of 12 years of experience but were not allowed to use search engines, language models or other sources of medical information when interacting with SDBench. Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for language model

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of language model was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Language model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language%20model. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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