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

However, now women can serve as drivers, grenade launchers, BMP fighting vehicle commanders, deputy commanders of reconnaissance groups, machine-gunners and snipers. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Ukraine’s shortage of air defense systems allows Russian manned and unmanned aircraft to conduct reconnaissance and to take out any high-value Ukrainian targets that are within shooting range, impeding the force concentration necessary for offensive action. —Elie Tenenbaum, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2024

These missions include deploying missile detection satellites for the Space Development Agency and reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office. —Garth Friesen, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

In the daylight, a Mavic reconnaissance quadcopter locates a target and drops a miniature radio beacon on it. —David Hambling, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

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