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

The pair of drones, known collectively as GreyShark, were developed by German technology companies EUROATLAS and EvoLogics for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions, including information on vital pipelines and cables along the seabed. —MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

Greyshark Autonomous Underwater Vehicle The Greyshark is a highly advanced autonomous underwater drone known for its long range and strong reconnaissance abilities. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025

The Antifa members allegedly conducted reconnaissance and discussed what to bring to the riot, including guns, medical kits and fireworks. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

The twin windows in the Gemini spacecraft measured only six inches by eight inches, affording the astronauts enough of a view to conduct some narrow photo reconnaissance of Earth and maneuver their spacecraft throughout their orbits. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 11 Nov. 2025

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