known

American  

[nohn] / noʊn /

verb

1. past participle of know.

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noun

1. a known quantity.

known British  

/ nəʊn /

verb

1. the past participle of know

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adjective

1. specified and identified

   a known criminal

noun

1. a fact or entity known

Etymology

Origin of known

First recorded in 1300–50, for the adjective

Explanation

Something known is something people are aware of or know about. Don’t ask a known thief to walk your dog while you’re out of town, especially if she is known as the “Poodle Poacher.” When you know something, it’s in your memory and awareness. When something is known, you know it! Technically, known is the past participle of know. Cigarettes are known to cause cancer. Martin Luther King is known as a hero to Americans. Cassius Clay is known as Muhammad Ali. If you stay out late and get in trouble, you should’ve known better. Something known is established, and people don't have reason to doubt it.

Example Sentences

Known by the handle Evilheartful E, Cheng has 45,000 subscribers who watch him stream videos of himself playing Roblox.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Known as the short-swing profit rule, the provision can require such insiders to hand over any resulting profits to the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Known locally as "Goni Tiger", the 45-year-old devoted his life to promoting coexistence between the big cats and the people living on the forest's edge.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Known as "the little church in the sea", its picturesque location on a tiny island off the Welsh mainland make it a popular spot for weddings and christenings.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Known as the 509th Composite Group, Tibbets’s mysterious team was officially activated on December 17, 1944.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• accepted
• acknowledged
• admitted
• common
• established
• familiar
• noted
• notorious
• obvious
• recognized
• well-known