recognition

noun

rec·​og·​ni·​tion ˌre-kig-ˈni-shən How to pronounce recognition (audio)
-kəg-
1
: the action of recognizing : the state of being recognized: such as
a
: acknowledgment
especially : formal acknowledgment of the political existence of a government or nation
b
: knowledge or feeling that someone or something present has been encountered before
2
: special notice or attention
3
: the sensing and encoding of printed or written data by a machine
optical character recognition
magnetic ink character recognition

Examples of recognition in a Sentence

The procedure is gaining recognition as the latest advance in organ transplant surgery. The Olympic Committee gave official recognition to the sport. His smile was a recognition that things were not so bad. Her paintings received recognition from her fellow artists. All she wanted was some recognition for her work. He finally received the recognition that he deserved. They were awarded medals in recognition of their bravery.
Recent Examples on the Web The Times’ coverage of the Dodgers’ elimination from the 2023 MLB playoffs resonated with both readers and APSE judges, placing in the top 10 in event coverage in recognition of 48 hours of special work by The Times’ staff. Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024 Haley gained national recognition for her response to a racist 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston that killed nine Black churchgoers. Jeongyoon Han, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 In 2018, he was expected to sail to reelection in deep-red Texas, but O'Rourke gained national recognition and raised big money in the race. Caroline Linton, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2024 At this year’s ceremony, Gorman will be presented with the Chairman’s Award, bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 How King Charles Will Participate in Commonwealth Day as Royal Guest List Confirmed The recipients are invited in recognition of their contributions to their churches and communities, and the Royal Maundy Service seemed to be a highlight on Queen Elizabeth’s calendar. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The Houthis insist their attacks will continue until Israel stops its combat operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enraged the wider Arab world and seen the Houthis gain international recognition. Jon Gambrell, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 Amy Vincent will be honored with the Presidents Award in recognition of her dedicated service to the ASC, and her pioneering work in the areas of diversity and inclusion in the film industry. David Heuring, Variety, 3 Mar. 2024 Singer might well point out that Theon needs to complete many more builds to deserve anywhere near the same level of recognition, and the U.S. company’s own Dynamics and Lightweighting Study team works out of the U.K., too. Michael Van Runkle, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recognition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recognicion, from Anglo-French recognition, from Latin recognition-, recognitio, from recognoscere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recognition was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near recognition

Cite this Entry

“Recognition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognition. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

recognition

noun
rec·​og·​ni·​tion ˌrek-ig-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce recognition (audio)
ˌrek-əg-
1
: the act of recognizing
2
: acknowledgment of something done or given
got a medal in recognition of bravery
3
: formal acknowledgment of the political existence of a government or nation
4
: special attention or notice

Medical Definition

recognition

noun
rec·​og·​ni·​tion ˌrek-əg-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce recognition (audio)
: the form of memory that consists in knowing or feeling that a present object has been met before

Legal Definition

recognition

noun
rec·​og·​ni·​tion ˌre-kəg-ˈni-shən How to pronounce recognition (audio)
1
: the act, process, or fact of recognizing
2
: the state of being recognized
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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