reconnaissance
Reconnaissance (noun) means the act of exploring or observing an area to gather information, especially before military action. Example: “The pilots flew a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory.”
How to use reconnaissance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishScouting or gathering information about an area, usually before military or strategic action.
Word forms
reconnaissances plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pilots flew a _____ mission over enemy territory.
Etymology
Borrowed from French reconnaissance, "recognition" — a doublet of "recognizance," both descending from the same Latin root.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for reconnaissance
See all rhymes for reconnaissance →Frequently asked questions
What does “reconnaissance” mean?
The word “reconnaissance” means the act of exploring or observing an area to gather information, especially before military action. In plain terms, scouting or gathering information about an area, usually before military or strategic action.
How do you pronounce “reconnaissance”?
“Reconnaissance” is pronounced rih-KO-nih-suhns (/ɹɪˈkɒnɪsəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “reconnaissance” in a sentence?
Here is “reconnaissance” used in a sentence: “The pilots flew a reconnaissance mission over enemy territory.”
What part of speech is “reconnaissance”?
“Reconnaissance” is a noun.
Where does the word “reconnaissance” come from?
The word “reconnaissance” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French reconnaissance, "recognition" — a doublet of "recognizance," both descending from the same Latin root.
Is “reconnaissance” a common word?
“Reconnaissance” is an uncommon word in modern English.