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

The Lees have made various gifts to museums across South Korea in recent decades. —Christy Choi, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025

The reinvestment in the network also hasn’t resulted in bigger paychecks for on-air stars, according to people familiar with recent contract talks between hosts and the network. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 17 Nov. 2025

There have been a few rumors popping up on social media in recent weeks that a private jet connected to LSU has visited Lubbock. —Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

The discoveries from Louisville's past life have forced work to pause on occasion, but the crews realize the historical significance of some of their recent finds. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Nov. 2025

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