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.
Known as Cave 338, the site lies in the Freser Valley.
From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026
Known for his work on “The Wire” and “Treme,” he became the first black actor to play Willy Loman on Broadway.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Known for reliable logistics for electronics and higher-ticket goods, it is bringing that credibility to fast-moving consumer commerce.
From Barron's • May 23, 2026
Known as a 'gentle giant', Raducanu says Richardson also has a fiery side that ignites the competitive spark in her.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
“Weed Patch Hill at one thousand one hundred and eighty-six feet above sea level, in Brown County. Known as the Everest of Indiana.”
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
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.
