recent

adjective

re·​cent ˈrē-sᵊnt 

1

a

: having lately come into existence : new, fresh

b

: of or relating to a time not long past

2

capitalized : holocene

recentness noun

Examples of recent in a Sentence

Recent events have brought attention to the problem.

I usually watch that show every week, but I missed the most recent episode.

Medical science has made amazing progress in recent decades.

That was the biggest earthquake in recent history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's what to know The race marks one of the most competitive Mesa mayoral races in recent history. —Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024

Despite our efforts, recent studies show that today's generation of children might have a shorter lifespan than their parents — something that hasn’t happened in two centuries. —Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Despite the long odds, nonprofit leaders and advocates have pushed aggressively in recent days to urge supporters to call their representatives and urge them to oppose the legislation. —David Bowermaster, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Within the past year, the home prices in major Indian cities have shot up, along with the number of luxury car sales, reflecting the country’s recent surge in wealth. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin recent-, recens; perhaps akin to Greek kainos new

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing recent

• of recent origin

Kids Definition

recent

adjective

re·​cent ˈrēs-ᵊnt 

1

a

: of or relating to a time not long past

recent history

b

: having lately appeared or come into existence : new, fresh

recent events

2

capitalized : holocene

recently adverb

recentness noun