reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkä-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce reconnaissance (audio)
-sən(t)s
: 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.
These inflatable decoys can be rapidly deployed, easily transported, and provide a low-cost means of confusing enemy reconnaissance efforts. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Light helicopters were first developed in the 1960s as part of a trend to create small, agile rotorcraft for observation, reconnaissance and the transport of troops into challenging terrains. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025 Its mission includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, logistical support for NATO and U.S. forces, and rapid response capabilities for regional crises. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 The Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea during a reconnaissance flight Tuesday. Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2025 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 14 Mar. 2025.

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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