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

Several council members referenced the recent death of Colleen Coates, a cabin cleaner who died while on the job in September. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026

The Dream are currently planning to play at least some home games in their 3,500-seat venue, a reminder that while the W has seen large commercial growth in recent years, there’s still more to be seen. — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Offering more coverage than a traditional low-cut vamp silhouette, the high-vamp pump trend has emerged in recent times as a stylish contemporary alternative presented by brands like Tory Burch, Chanel, Monsieur Gavriel, Naturalizer and Khaite. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Two recent high jewelry collections appear in individual, dedicated zones. — Tanya Dukes, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 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