well-known
Americanadjective
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clearly or fully known.
The well-known reasons are obvious.
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generally or widely known.
a well-known painting.
- Synonyms:
- celebrated, noted, famous, prominent
adjective
-
widely known; famous; celebrated
-
known fully or clearly
Etymology
Origin of well-known
late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75
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.
A well-known pharmacy in Catia La Mar was left with its glass doors shattered and its shelves empty, though authorities could not confirm if looting took place.
From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026
“It was a social experiment that turned me into a well-known comedian,” Bishop says, adding that this type of programming, which might be considered “highfalutin” public TV fare in America, is more mainstream there.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026
Research suggests investors are better off embracing a global portfolio and directly pursuing well-known, reliable return premiums, namely those associated with smaller size, lower valuation and higher profitability.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026
Their alliance is an unusual one between well-known names in industries that have eyed each other warily since the advent of models that can generate audio, images and video.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026
They were well-known for their cheeses—Edam, Gouda—these Dutch people.
From "Secrets at Sea" 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.
