reconnoiter
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to inspect, observe, or survey (the enemy, the enemy's strength or position, a region, etc.) in order to gain information for military purposes.
-
to examine or survey (a region, area, etc.) for engineering, geological, or other purposes.
verb (used without object)
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reconnoiter
1700–10; < French reconnoître (now obsolete) to explore, Middle French reconoistre. See recognize
Explanation
When you reconnoiter an area, you’re looking around to try to get some kind of feel for the place. It often describes a military action, but you could also reconnoiter the breakroom on the lookout for doughnuts. When you reconnoiter something, you typically explore it with a particular goal in mind. If you’re part of a military group, you might reconnoiter the coast to see where the navy might land. It’s a way to make a preliminary inspection so you can figure out what to do next. If you’re moving to a new city, you might reconnoiter several neighborhoods — you’re sizing them up to see if you might like to live there.
Vocabulary lists containing reconnoiter
In the Know: Cogn, Conn
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Ransom of Red Chief" by O. Henry
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
In Cold Blood
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reconnoitering into the past, we pick through the debris, eager to know old truths but fearful of what we may find.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reconnoitering on the Basque Front, 18 Rightist planes became lost in fog, came down perforce in southern France.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reconnoitering inland by motor, the de Prorak experts visited El Djem, Timgad and other ancient cities whose bones lie bleaching under the African sun.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reconnoitering by land and in the air had appraised them of Rommel's intentions.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reconnoitering of the coast site by boats sent beforehand is an absurdity, for the opponents immediately become acquainted with the landing plans and are given time for preparations for defense.
From Operations Upon the Sea A Study by Edelsheim, Franz, Freiherr von
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
