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.
China has invested in cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (collectively known as ISR), as well as electronic warfare systems, drones, and missiles. — Holmes Liao, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 Beijing allegedly uses the information to further its position in territorial disputes and provide maritime reconnaissance and early-warning indications of foreign military targets. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 The company has described the platform as capable of supporting missions including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare and counter-uncrewed aircraft operations. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 Part of both efforts is finding ways to turn platforms of all sizes into assets for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, rescue, and strike capabilities, and to do it quickly. — David Szondy august 27, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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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