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.
Opened in 1992, that line uses old signaling technology known as LZB, which relies on a physical cable and is becoming increasingly obsolete.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
Besides the distinguished Starfleet officer, Stewart is also known for his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” franchise.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2026
Its owners were in hot pursuit and it is not yet known whether it was recaptured.
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026
Picard became known for a few catchphrases including "Make it so!"
From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2026
In that time, Clare had not known a stitch of peace, as though the seam of his very existence were being torn in different directions.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
