know

play

verb \ˈnō\

Definition of know

knew

play \ˈnü also ˈnyü\;

known

play \ˈnōn\;

knowing

transitive verb
1a (1) : to perceive directly : have direct cognition of (2) : to have understanding of importance of knowing oneself (3) : to recognize the nature of : discernb (1) : to recognize as being the same as something previously known (2) : to be acquainted or familiar with (3) : to have experience of
2a : to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain ofb : to have a practical understanding of knows how to write
3 archaic : to have sexual intercourse with
intransitive verb
1 : to have knowledge
2 : to be or become cognizant —sometimes used interjectionally with you especially as a filler in informal speech

knowable

play \ˈnō-ə-bəl\ adjective

knower

play \ˈnō-ər\ noun

know from

: to have knowledge of didn't know from sibling rivalry — Penny Marshall

See know defined for English-language learners

See know defined for kids

Examples of know in a Sentence

He knows a lot about the history of the town.
Do you know the answer?
I don't know her name.
Do you know what time it is?
I don't know the words to that song.
They knew a good deal about the problem.
She knows the rules of the game.
If you want the answer, ask someone who knows.
I don't know much about art, but I know what I like.
She knows that many people will not believe her.

Recent Examples of know from the Web

The results of the mice studies probably won't be known for several months.

— mark johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "In tracking a lethal family of diseases that threatens humans and animals, scientists have become the hunters", 6 July 2017
As Republicans know, the opposition party does not need to run on its own detailed health plan to win elections.

— david weigel, Washington Post, "Republicans try to shift health-care blame back to Democrats", 6 July 2017
Federal Insurance, also known as Chubb, similarly alleges in its court filings that Novant’s arrangements permitted exorbitant fees to be charged for retirement plan services.

— deon roberts, charlotteobserver, "Novant 'unjustly enriched itself' off employee retirement plans, insurer says", 5 July 2017
Dukehart said her brand has been known for offering fun one-pieces.

— john-john williams iv, baltimoresun.com, "Still the one: Versatile one-piece bathing suit is stylish and budget-friendly", 5 July 2017
Here's what to know about ICBMs, and why a successful test would be such a big deal: What is an ICBM?

— rachel lewis, Time, "North Korea Says It's Tested an ICBM. Here's Why That's a Big Deal", 5 July 2017
The Shetland Islands are known for a windswept landscape that includes rugged cliffs and beaches, Iron Age ruins and Shetland ponies.

— gene sloan, USA TODAY, "July route roundup: Where cruise lines are adding sailings", 5 July 2017
Many of these immigrants, known as Mizrahi Jews, were sent to shantytown transit camps and largely sidelined.

— aron heller, Jewish Journal, "Israel's Labor Party looks to rebrand with leadership vote", 5 July 2017
Delgado, who graduated in May, said people seemed to know and help each other in Cuba.

— sarah freishtat, Aurora Beacon-News, "East Aurora students reflect on trip to Cuba", 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'know'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of know

Middle English, from Old English cnāwan; akin to Old High German bichnāan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignōskein

NEW!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

know

noun

Definition of know

: knowledge

in the know

: in possession of exclusive knowledge or information; broadly : well-informed

See know defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of know from the Web

Those in the know suggest that DJ Khaled’s Grateful and Imagine Dragons’ Evolve both could earn more than 130,000 equivalent album units in the week ending June 29.

— keith caulfield, Billboard, "DJ Khaled & Imagine Dragons Vying for No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart", 30 June 2017
Here in the D.F.—Distrito Federal, the Spanish term those in the know like to abbreviate—native ingredients and traditions blend with cosmopolitan style for a restaurant scene that’s reliably risk-tasking (ant larvae, anyone?).

— Bon Appetit, "Hotel Downtown México", 19 June 2017
Our fully responsive site offers timely content, keeping Chicagoans in the know across all devices, which are accessible via web, mobile, and tablet.

— Hoy, "Advertise with HOY", 15 June 2017
The Best Managers Communicate The best way to communicate is to share information with those who need to be in the know.

— NBC News, "Top 5 Tips for Making Managers into Better Leaders", 14 June 2017
Know of a veteran-minded group that’s not on this list?

— bruce kennedy, The Cannabist, "These 6 groups help vets get access to medical marijuana", 26 May 2017
Missing altogether are Greg’s and Rowley’s magnificently nerdy schoolmates: the freckle-faced yuckiness connoisseur Fregley and the diminutive know-it-all Chirag (played by Grayson Russell and Karan Brar in the earlier films).

— jane horwitz, The Denver Post, "In new “Wimpy Kid” film, a fresh cast and amped-up “yuck”", 19 May 2017
Newlyweds Adrian and Roslyn had just tied the know in Bowral, Australia, and Day was snapping some photos of the duo in front of a beautiful sunset.

— caroline alkire, House Beautiful, "The Story Behind This Couple's Emotional Wedding Photo Is Amazing", 5 May 2017
But what ever happened to guidebooks, the trusty paperbacks that held just enough information to keep us in the know without feeling overwhelmed?

— cnt editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "Does Anyone Use Guidebooks Anymore? Travelogue Podcast", 28 Apr. 2017

Origin and Etymology of know

see ¹know

NEW!

First Known Use: 1592

See Words from the same year

KNOW Defined for Kids

know

play

verb \ˈnō\

Definition of know for Students

knew

\ˈnü, ˈnyü\;

known

\ˈnōn\;

knowing

1 : to recognize the identity of I know that guy!
2 : to be aware of the truth of We know that the earth is round.
3 : to have a practical understanding of Her little sister already knows how to read.
4 : to have information or knowledge He knows all about cars.
5 : to be or become aware The president knew about the problem.
6 : to be acquainted or familiar with A taxi driver knows the city well.
7 : to have understanding of It's important to know yourself. I don't know why this happens.
8 : to recognize the nature of We knew them to be honest.