knowing

1 of 2

adjective

know·​ing ˈnō-iŋ 

1

: having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence

2

a

: shrewdly and keenly alert : astute

a knowing observer

b

: indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information

a knowing smile

3

: cognitive

4

: deliberate

knowing interference in the affairs of another

knowingly adverb

knowingness noun

knowing

2 of 2

noun

: acquaintance, cognizance

Synonyms

Adjective

• hip
• wise

Examples of knowing in a Sentence

Adjective

She looked at us in a knowing way.

exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Offering support at key moments is a knowing, keen-eyed librarian (Jessica Harper), a mysterious book about the hidden history of magical women, and suddenly clearer memories of her devoted mom (Kerry O’Malley), who may have had her own privately liberating nocturnal existence. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Finding Trans Community in Airport Security Writer Samantha Allen on the knowing nods that create comfort in a hostile space. —Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Nov. 2024

Noun

Barbaro plays Baez with a wry and knowing dream girl mystique that makes Dylan’s cruelty towards her all the more pointed. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2024

Emmet Otter and his widowed mother secretly want to give each other something special for Christmas; both, without the other knowing, plan to enter the town talent contest to earn the requisite prize money. —EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing knowing

• self-knowing

Kids Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

ˈnō-iŋ

1

: having or showing special knowledge

a knowing smile

2

: shrewdly and keenly alert

3

: intentional

knowingly adverb

Legal Definition

knowing

adjective

know·​ing

1

: having or reflecting knowledge

a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel

see also intelligent

2

: deliberate sense 2

knowing possession

knowing endangerment

compare mens rea

knowingly adverb