knowing

1 of 2

adjective

know·​ing ˈnō-iŋ How to pronounce knowing (audio)
1
: having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence
2
a
: shrewdly and keenly alert : astute
a knowing observer
b
: indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information
a knowing smile
3
4
: deliberate
knowing interference in the affairs of another
knowingly adverb
knowingness noun

knowing

2 of 2

noun

Examples of knowing in a Sentence

Adjective She looked at us in a knowing way. exchanged a knowing look with her business partner during the sales presentation
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
There is more collaboration, more knowing and being known, more sweetness. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024 Vance and, by extension, Donald Trump, who selected Vance as his running mate even though the denigrating remarks were already public, are at fault for not protecting, much less knowing, the constitutional rights of childless women and, by extension, all Americans. Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2024
Noun
There’s this quiet knowing that we’re meant to walk through every season of life together, and that’s such a beautiful feeling. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 20 Sep. 2024 Take a moment to reflect on the meanings of the cards while trusting your inner knowing to interpret the messages. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for knowing 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knowing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knowing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near knowing

Cite this Entry

“Knowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowing. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

knowing

adjective
know·​ing
ˈnō-iŋ
1
: having or showing special knowledge
a knowing smile
2
: shrewdly and keenly alert
3
knowingly adverb

Legal Definition

knowing

adjective
know·​ing
1
: having or reflecting knowledge
a knowing and intelligent waiver of counsel
see also intelligent
2
: deliberate sense 2
knowing possession
knowing endangerment
compare mens rea
knowingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on knowing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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