reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkä-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce reconnaissance (audio)
-sən(t)s
Synonyms of reconnaissancenext
: a preliminary survey to gain information
especially : an exploratory military survey of enemy territory

Examples of reconnaissance in a Sentence

There are two helicopters available for reconnaissance. They did a reconnaissance of the enemy's position.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Part of the Next-Generation Air Dominance family, CCAs aim to perform missions including air-to-air combat, strikes, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance, while protecting pilots and expanding capacity at lower cost. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026 Each destroyer carries two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters that can be used for aerial reconnaissance and can also carry a pod used for minesweeping. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026 But systems that automate reconnaissance and strikes are merely the most visible parts of the automation revolution. Jon R. Lindsay, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026 The first trip is mere reconnaissance; the slow and intimate process of knowing a place requires return visits. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reconnaissance

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, recognition, from Middle French reconoissance, from Old French reconoistre to recognize

First Known Use

1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reconnaissance was in 1779

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reconnaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconnaissance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

reconnaissance

noun
re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkän-ə-zən(t)s How to pronounce reconnaissance (audio)
: a survey (as of enemy territory) to gain information
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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