To use one's own intelligence and intellectual ability; to think logically and rationally. ("Noggin" here is slang for head or brain. Often said as an imperative.) Come on, Dean, I know you can figure this out on your own. Use your noggin for a change!I can't believe you were arrested for selling marijuana. What were you thinking? Why don't you use your noggin once in a while?
Fig. to use one's own intelligence. (The words noggin and noodle are slang terms for "head.") You can do better in math if you'll just use your head.Jane uses her noggin and gets things done correctly and on time.Yes, she sure knows how to use her noodle.