1. an innate, automatic behavior or response that occurs without conscious thought or learning
2. a natural ability or talent for something
3. an immediate understanding or feeling about something without conscious reasoning

Examples

• Birds migrate south by instinct when winter approaches.
• The mother’s protective instinct kicked in when she saw her child in danger.
• He has a natural instinct for business and always makes profitable decisions.
• My first instinct was to run when I heard the loud noise.
• She followed her instinct and chose the safer route home.
• The baby’s sucking instinct helps it feed immediately after birth.
• His instinct for music was evident even as a young child.