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 interpreter and the scout reconnaissance leader were fast friends. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

Ukrainian drones now provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance while simultaneously delivering precision strike capabilities against Russian personnel and equipment. —Hunter Lacroix, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026

Few concrete details have been released, but this will likely include reconnaissance drones to scout ahead and counter-drone systems for protection. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026

Drone reconnaissance has become a part of anti-terror efforts in recent years, especially around high-profile targets. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

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