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

Preparing to depart for Charlotte this week as LAFC’s lone representative in the MLS All-Star Game, Son continued his recent form by striking a right-footed shot low inside the far post. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 26 July 2026

But recent hires in Spokane and Reno, both nearby airports with fewer passengers, offered higher compensation at $375,000 and $400,000 respectively. — Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026

Rents collected from the affordable housing, Harris said, would be used to support the upkeep of Harris Park, where, as executive director, the most recent 2024 tax documents show Harris was making just over $70,000 year. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

Forecasts indicate no rain in Spain’s Ávila and Madrid regions, or in France’s Gironde region, which have been ravaged by wildfires in recent days. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 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