reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkä-nə-zən(t)s 

-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

Elbit’s intelligence surveillance target acquisition and reconnaissance and electronic warfare business will grow by 15%, driven by development of high power laser technologies, Bank of America said. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026

The aircraft would have multiple uses, including as a strike fighter, conducting reconnaissance and transporting cargo. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

The company also pointed out that traditional threats like combat aircraft and missiles are joined by numerous unmanned systems, enabling smaller units to conduct aerial reconnaissance, fire control and airstrikes. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026

The lunar reconnaissance orbiter flies by at about 31 miles high. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

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

Kids Definition

reconnaissance

noun

re·​con·​nais·​sance ri-ˈkän-ə-zən(t)s 

: a survey (as of enemy territory) to gain information