noun
recce
REK-ee
Recce (noun) means a quick look at a place in advance to find out what it is like and what will be needed there. Example: “We did a recce of the venue on Friday before the shoot.”
noun
1
informal, chiefly British A quick look at a place in advance to find out what it is like and what will be needed there.
"We did a recce of the venue on Friday before the shoot."
"Give the route a recce before you take the whole group up."
verb
1
informal, chiefly British To carry out such an advance inspection.
"I'll recce the car park and text you where to meet."
How to use recce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick advance look at a place before the real thing happens.
When to use it
Informal British; standard usage in film production and the armed forces.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
do a recce
a quick recce
recce the site
recce trip
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We did a _____ of the venue on Friday before the shoot.
Etymology
A clipped, informal shortening of reconnaissance, originating in British military slang and now general in film, events and outdoor work.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between recce and recon?
They are the same abbreviation of reconnaissance, split by region: recce is British and Commonwealth, recon is American. Recce has also spread further into civilian use — film crews, event planners and climbers all do recces.
How do you spell the past tense of recce?
Recced is the usual form, with recceing as the participle; some writers prefer "recced" over the awkward "recceed". Because it looks odd on the page, many people write "did a recce" instead.
How is recce pronounced?
REK-ee, with a hard c. It does not rhyme with "Reese".
What is the meaning of recce?
"recce" (noun) means a quick look at a place in advance to find out what it is like and what will be needed there.
