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Definition of reconnaissance

reconnaissance

/rɪˈkɑː.nə.səns/
re · con · nais · sance
Plural:reconnaissances
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reconnaissance Lexical Profile

reconnaissance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features.

Example

"Aerial reconnaissance revealed that the supply routes through the mountain pass had been blocked."

2

A preliminary surveying or research of a region, project, or field of study to gather initial information.

Example

"The geological team conducted a brief reconnaissance of the valley before selecting the final drilling sites."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for reconnaissance

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently clipped to 'recon' in informal and military contexts, or 'recce' in British and Commonwealth English.

• Rhymes for reconnaissance

• Nearby Words

reconfigure
reconfirm
reconfirmation
reconnaissance
reconnect
reconnection
reconquer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from French reconnaissance ('recognition'), from Old French reconoissance, ultimately from Latin recognoscere ('to know again, examine, or inspect').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Reconnaissance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/reconnaissance
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