- past participle of know.
known
Americanverb
noun
verb
adjective
noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing known
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.
William Henry Draper III, known as Bill, was born Jan. 1, 1928, and grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
Rockstar posted a new trailer online for "GTA VI" featuring a song from "original score composers Justice", who are best known for their work during the late "French Touch" electro wave of the early 2000s.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
So much taxable money taken out could eventually push you over the income limit for the Medicare surcharges known as IRMAA, which start at $222,000 for a married couple.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 15, 2026
“We focus on cases that have been adjudicated … the facts of the case are known at that point.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026
“There’s been all sorts of flags, since I’ve known you, Lex, that things are weird with your dad.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
