Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Cognitive /käg'-nĭt-ĭv/ · Cog·ni·tive · IPA /ˈkɑɡ.nɪ.tɪv/ 01 a. Knowing, or apprehending by the understanding; as, cognitive power. 1. Knowing, or apprehending by the understanding; as, cognitive power.