reconnaissance

Or re·con·nois·sance

[ri-kon-uh-suhns, -zuhns]

noun

1. the act of reconnoitering.

2. Military.,  a search made for useful military information in the field, especially by examining the ground.

3. Surveying, Civil Engineering.,  a general examination or survey of a region, usually followed by a detailed survey.

4. Geology.,  an examination or survey of the general geological characteristics of a region.

reconnaissance

/ rɪˈkɒnɪsəns /

noun

1. the act of reconnoitring

2. the process of obtaining information about the position, activities, resources, etc, of an enemy or potential enemy

3. a preliminary inspection of an area of land before an engineering survey is made

Word History and Origins

Origin of reconnaissance¹

1800–10; < French; Middle French reconoissance recognizance

Word History and Origins

Origin of reconnaissance¹

C18: from French, from Old French reconoistre to explore, _recognize

Example Sentences

"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness," Poland's operational command said in a post on X.

From BBC

Ukraine is also a candidate to join the EU, but is facing hardening opposition from Hungary and tensions along their shared border, after Kyiv accused Budapest of sending reconnaissance drones into western Ukraine.

From BBC

He said the same network had also carried out reconnaissance for a planned attack on a Russian dissident and businesses he owned in London.

From BBC

Riley's role in the Dalston attack had been to carry out reconnaissance of the restaurant, scout for potential targets and to drive the gunman away in a stolen car.

From BBC

Riley admitted conducting reconnaissance, spotting targets and picking up the gunman, but claimed he believed it was a "smash-and-grab" robbery.

From BBC

Related Words

• exploration 
• surveillance