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

But a recent poll shows that a majority abroad have a negative view of the country. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 25 June 2026

During a recent fan appearance at PeopleCon, Noah Schnapp asked the audience if anyone believed Eleven was dead. — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 25 June 2026

The bulk of Venezuelan oil exports have historically flowed to China, and Chinese companies have financed extensive infrastructure projects and investments across the country, with Beijing lending billions to Caracas in recent decades. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

The most recent incident was a fire on Friday June 19. — Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 25 June 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