recent

adjective

re·​cent ˈrē-sᵊnt 

1

a

: having lately come into existence : new, fresh

b

: of or relating to a time not long past

2

Recent : holocene

recentness noun

Examples of recent in a Sentence

Recent events have brought attention to the problem.

I usually watch that show every week, but I missed the most recent episode.

Medical science has made amazing progress in recent decades.

That was the biggest earthquake in recent history.

Recent Examples on the Web

In December, 2024, a Beth El member named Alex Willick received an invitation to speak in the synagogue’s main sanctuary on Shabbat about a recent visit to Israel. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

His most recent tour, American Heart, wrapped up earlier this month after two legs and 50 shows. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026

Christie acknowledged that the Kings were in a difficult position given their recent schedule injury situation. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026

Honoring history and the town’s rural character has come up squarely against the realities of economic development and the town’s tax base, with the Timex property emerging as a major issue in recent local elections and the final redevelopment outcome likely to be decided by the courts. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin recent-, recens; perhaps akin to Greek kainos new

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing recent

• of recent origin

Rhymes for recent

• decent
• puissant
• indecent

Kids Definition

recent

adjective

re·​cent ˈrēs-ᵊnt 

1

a

: of or relating to a time not long past

recent history

b

: having lately appeared or come into existence : new, fresh

recent events

2

capitalized : holocene

recently adverb

recentness noun