Quick definition · 2 min AI term
Model
A model is the trained AI itself, the thing that actually generates answers. GPT-5, Claude, and Gemini are all models.
Think of it like
Think of the model as the engine. ChatGPT is the car (the app) wrapped around an engine (the model).
Example
When you pick “GPT-4o” or “Claude Sonnet” in a tool, you are choosing which model does the work.
Why it matters
Beginners mix up the app, the model, and “AI” in general. Knowing the model is the underlying brain clears up most of the confusion.
Where you’ll see it
ChatGPTClaudeOpenAI APICursor