reconnoiter

[ ree-kuh-noi-ter, rek-uh- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to inspect, observe, or survey (the enemy, the enemy's strength or position, a region, etc.) in order to gain information for military purposes.
2. to examine or survey (a region, area, etc.) for engineering, geological, or other purposes.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a reconnaissance.

Other Words From

• recon·noiter·er noun
• unre·con·noitered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reconnoiter¹

1700–10; < French reconnoître (now obsolete) to explore, Middle French reconoistre. See recognize

Example Sentences

Every spacecraft that ever visited the moon, landed on Mars, buzzed by Jupiter, orbited Saturn, or reconnoitered Pluto would be a decidedly unidentified flying object to any alien intelligence that might encounter it.

From Time

They sighted the port of Cavite in order to reconnoiter the strength of the fleet stationed there.

From Project Gutenberg

At daybreak, Havelock sent Colonel Tytler, with the eighteen volunteer horse, to reconnoiter.

From Project Gutenberg

Pressing on a few hundred yards to reconnoiter the Pomeroy road, we suddenly encountered the enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the warriors proposed riding back to the ridge with Painted Weasel to reconnoiter.

From Project Gutenberg

Darkness had already fallen, and White Otter determined to reconnoiter the plain before the first war party left the ravine.

From Project Gutenberg