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 defenders to consider Plenty of managers have parted company with the best-performing defender in the game in recent weeks. —Holly Shand, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

Of recent, the actor—now finally finished her mammoth press run—was spotted in Saint-Tropez embracing a distinctly off-beat, anti-boho aesthetic in pooling denim jeans avec a matching bucket hat and brown leather jacket. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026

Rumors began circulating in recent months as the episodes aired that Miller’s confidante Amanda Batula might have betrayed her by becoming romantically involved with Miller’s ex-boyfriend West Wilson. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026

Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro. —Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 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