knowledge

noun

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knowl·edge | \ ˈnä-lij

Definition of knowledge

1a(1) : the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association

(2) : acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique

b(1) : the fact or condition of being aware of something

(2) : the range of one's information or understanding answered to the best of my knowledge

c : the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning : cognition

d : the fact or condition of having information or of being learned a person of unusual knowledge

2a : the sum of what is known : the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind

b archaic : a branch of learning

3 archaic : sexual intercourse

4 obsolete : cognizance

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More About knowledge

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Synonyms for knowledge

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for knowledge

knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind. knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. rich in the knowledge of human nature learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling. a book that demonstrates vast learning erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning. an erudition unusual even in a scholar scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation. a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Examples of knowledge in a Sentence

At that time the word science had not been narrowed down to one kind of knowledge; it meant whatever was known, and men of learning were still able to possess most of it. — Jacques Barzun, From Dawn to Decadence, 2000 With their aid, he should be able to adapt himself selectively to his culture, rejecting its evils, stupidities and irrelevances, gratefully accepting all its treasures of accumulated knowledge … and practical wisdom. — Aldous Huxley, "Culture and the … ," in Artificial Paradises, Mike Jay editor, 1999 The knowledge of the godawful way people act (their greed, their vicarious or direct violence), and of the youth and helplessness of those who died, leads to shame … — Harold Brodkey, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 1995 She has little knowledge of fashion. He has devoted himself to the pursuit of knowledge. She gained a thorough knowledge of local customs. Did you have any knowledge of her intentions?

Recent Examples on the Web But the knowledge that students, especially those under 12 years old who are ineligible for the vaccine, are more likely to experience covid symptoms than last year is daunting for school officials. — Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2021 Professor Yu’s encyclopedic knowledge of Chinese thought, literature and history was grounded in a traditional education in rural China. — New York Times, 10 Aug. 2021 How had my tests gone that morning—math, physics, I.Q., general knowledge, psychological analysis, the Officer-Like Qualities test? — The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2021 Huntsman brings knowledge, familiarity and passion to not just trade between markets but opportunities within strategically important markets, including but not limited to China, Reid said. — Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 6 Aug. 2021 In addition to choosing the movies, Accomando brings her in-depth knowledge of the medium to the stage, sharing trivia and providing insight for each film. — Sara Butler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2021 By episode four this season, Outer Banks is giving us a pedicab chase scene through the streets of Charleston, the knowledge that during his downtime local drug dealer Barry is reading Infinite Jest, and another scene in the Hot Tub of Emotions. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2021 To be a true support requires strength, patience, self-knowledge, and discipline. — Rebecca J. Rosen, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2021 Now that the librarians are back en masse (the building fully reopened on July 6), so is their collective knowledge, a lot of which comes from simply spending time there. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Aug. 2021

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

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Dictionary Entries Near knowledge

knowledgable

knowledge

knowledgeable

Statistics for knowledge

Last Updated

18 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowledge. Accessed 29 Aug. 2021.

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More Definitions for knowledge

knowledge

noun

English Language Learners Definition of knowledge

: information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education

: awareness of something : the state of being aware of something

See the full definition for knowledge in the English Language Learners Dictionary

knowledge

noun

knowl·edge | \ ˈnä-lij

Kids Definition of knowledge

1 : understanding and skill gained by experience He has a knowledge of carpentry.

2 : the state of being aware of something or of having information He borrowed my camera without my knowledge.

3 : range of information or awareness To my knowledge our school has never won the championship.

4 : something learned and kept in the mind : learning

knowledge

noun

knowl·edge

Legal Definition of knowledge

1a : awareness or understanding especially of an act, a fact, or the truth : actual knowledge in this entry

b : awareness that a fact or circumstance probably exists broadly : constructive knowledge in this entry — see also scienter, willful blindness

Note: Knowledge fundamentally differs from intent in being grounded in awareness rather than purpose.

— actual knowledge

1 : direct and clear awareness (as of a fact or condition) the bank had actual knowledge that the name and account number referred to different persons

2 : awareness of such information as would cause a reasonable person to inquire further specifically : such awareness considered as a timely and sufficient substitute for actual notice (as of a work-related injury or of a bankruptcy proceeding) ruled that the employer did not have actual notice or actual knowledge within 90 days

— constructive knowledge

: knowledge (as of a condition or fact) that one using ordinary care or diligence would possess had constructive knowledge of the presence of narcotics on his property

— personal knowledge

: direct knowledge of a matter or of the truth or falsity of an allegation a witness may not testify to a matter unless evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter — Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 602

— superior knowledge

: knowledge greater than that possessed by another especially : awareness of a condition or fact that affects another who was not aware of it denied having had superior knowledge of the hazard superior knowledge of a factor in the performance of a contract

2 : the range of one's information, understanding, or expertise answered to the best of his knowledge