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

Russia’s defense ministry on Saturday claimed its forces overnight struck various military targets across Ukraine, including missile and drone-producing plants, a reconnaissance center and a launching site for anti-aircraft missiles. —Illia Novikov, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025

Providing reconnaissance for the project was Rhea Wallace. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025

The Baltimore Police Department’s helicopter unit provided aerial reconnaissance on the warehouse’s rooftop looking for signs of potential collapse, according to the fire chief. —Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025

During that strike, Turkish fighter jets reportedly carried out reconnaissance flights in the area inside Syrian airspace and sent warning signals to their Israeli counterparts using their electronic warfare systems. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 12 May 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