reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkä-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce reconnaissance (audio)
-sən(t)s
Synonyms of reconnaissance
: 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.
Chinese researchers have examined Russia’s use of reconnaissance drones to locate targets and direct strikes. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 For military and intelligence agencies, the potential now existed for reconnaissance at a far larger scale than what was possible with high-altitude aircraft. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2026 The Ukrainian company produces multiple types of drones for reconnaissance and strike missions, along with a ground robot, drone detection systems, and electronic warfare systems. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Then, a friend told her about Holy Family in Springfield, which prompted her reconnaissance mission. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 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

recongeal
reconnaissance
reconnaissance in force
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reconnaissance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reconnaissance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on reconnaissance

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reconnaissance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reconnaissance

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