knowledge

noun

Save Word

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

Keep scrolling for more

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 Incredibly, this caliber of knowledge is being offered through a free app. — Chris Marlow, Forbes, "How You Can Leverage Clubhouse As A Nonprofit Leader," 28 Apr. 2021 Honesty and common sense serve jurors better than depth of knowledge about social conditions — and are far less dangerous. — Star Tribune, "Readers Write: Unemployment numbers, CEO compensation, juror impartiality," 28 Apr. 2021 Williams, the chief medical officer, said some hesitancy exists among people because the vaccines are new and because of the lack of knowledge about the vaccines. — Drake Bentley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "More than 80% of residents age 65 and older have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as MHS opens a walk-in clinic on Saturday," 23 Apr. 2021 In fact, Ed Be and Jared Blake, whose aim with Lichen (98 Moore Street, Brooklyn) has been to democratize design, are proud to be a source of knowledge … and coffee. — New York Times, "New York, It’s Time to Shop! (Masks on, Please)," 22 Apr. 2021 The lack of knowledge about Sikhism has persisted over the years, even as their population in the U.S. has grown to around 500,000. — NBC News, "Sikh Americans highlight historical, 'invisible' racism after Indianapolis shootings," 21 Apr. 2021 Bhatt said that a lack of knowledge about the vaccines -- as well as the lack of access -- can be significant hurdles. — Mark Nichols, ABC News, "3 things scientists have learned about vaccine hesitancy: Analysis," 20 Apr. 2021 His depth of knowledge comes from working with renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who lived with the region's gorilla population for almost 20 years. — Richard Quest And Joe Minihane, CNN, "The gleaming city that emerged from turmoil in the heart of Africa," 13 Apr. 2021 But before his discovery in 2011, Valentine placed part of the blame for the lack of knowledge about the barrels on the lack of technology to find it. — Jeff Berardelli, CBS News, "How a shocking environmental disaster was uncovered off the California coast after 70 years," 12 Apr. 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about knowledge

Dictionary Entries near knowledge

knowledge engineering

Statistics for knowledge

Last Updated

2 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knowledge. Accessed 6 May. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

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

Keep scrolling for more