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

That style of play defined an era of soccer that has started to be pushed out by a more physical form in recent seasons. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Recent history has seen star players sign for the max term of eight years out of their entry-level deals, as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Jack Eichel did. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026

In recent years, Morocco has also undertaken deep structural changes that have significantly improved its investment climate. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026

Concerns over English Channel crossings in overcrowded inflatable boats has helped propel the anti-immigration Reform UK party to victory in recent local and regional elections that led Labour to oust Starmer as leader. — ABC News, 19 July 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