The term 'machine learning' in artificial intelligence refers to the subset of AI that allows systems to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming. Machine learning algorithms analyze large datasets to identify patterns and make predictions. Learning can be supervised, unsupervised, or via reinforcement, depending on whether the data is labeled or unlabelled. The goal is to enhance a system’s ability to make decisions and predictions autonomously over time. It has applications in various fields, including natural language processing, image recognition, and recommendation systems, making machines smarter in handling complex tasks.