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.
Esteban "Steve" Bovo, the former mayor of majority-Cuban Hialeah in Florida has known Rubio since he was just a city councilman in West Miami.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
The manufacturer originally said it wouldn’t be able to finish overhauling the souped-up aircraft, known as the VC-25B, until after Trump left office.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
One of the directors we’ve known since we were 15 years old, he’s like a brother to us.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
What's become known as "the Great Wealth Transfer" means some members of the younger generation are receiving huge assets to manage.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
I had done all of this—I had known the word to begin with— because Luc L’Enfant taught it to me.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
