The `std::thread` is a feature in C++ that allows developers to create and manage threads, which are separate paths of execution within a program. This enables concurrent programming, where multiple tasks can run simultaneously, improving performance and responsiveness. Each thread can execute a function or a callable object, making it versatile for various applications. To use `std::thread`, you include the `<thread>` header and create a thread by passing a function to its constructor. Once a thread is created, it runs independently, and you can synchronize its execution with other threads using tools like `std::mutex` or `std::condition_variable` to avoid data races and ensure safe access to shared resources.