know

1 of 2

verb

knew ˈnü How to pronounce know (audio)
 also  ˈnyü
; known ˈnōn How to pronounce know (audio) ; knowing

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to perceive directly : have direct cognition of
(2)
: to have understanding of
importance of knowing oneself
(3)
: to recognize the nature of : discern
b(1)
: to recognize as being the same as something previously known
(2)
: to be acquainted or familiar with
(3)
: to have experience of
2
a
: to be aware of the truth or factuality of : be convinced or certain of
b
: to have a practical understanding of
knows how to write
3
archaic : to have sexual intercourse with

intransitive verb

1
: to have knowledge
2
: to be or become cognizant
sometimes used interjectionally with you especially as a filler in informal speech
knower noun

know

2 of 2

noun

Phrases
know from
: to have knowledge of
didn't know from sibling rivalryPenny Marshall
in the know
: in possession of exclusive knowledge or information
broadly : well-informed

Examples of know in a Sentence

Verb He knows a lot about the history of the town. Do you know the answer? I don't know her name. Do you know what time it is? I don't know the words to that song. They knew a good deal about the problem. She knows the rules of the game. If you want the answer, ask someone who knows. I don't know much about art, but I know what I like. She knows that many people will not believe her.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
What to know There are options for getting somebody to do your taxes free. Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 9 Mar. 2024 The rivet repairs were done by contractors working for Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, but the NTSB still does not know who removed and replaced the door panel, Homendy said Wednesday. Gene Johnson, Quartz, 9 Mar. 2024 According to the Academy’s website, only two partners of PwC know the results before they are announced during the Oscars ceremony. Hallie Lieberman, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The only thing more important than procuring quality spices is knowing how to keep them fresh. Carly Westerfield, Bon Appétit, 9 Mar. 2024 According to the memorial, the performer, who was known for roles in shows like Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason and other series, died on Feb. 28 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Parents can relax knowing that it's crafted from non-toxic materials, meeting Greenguard Gold and CPSC safety standards for peace of mind. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Here's what to know: Why did the Death Valley lake form? USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 The main combatants—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group that the SAF organized out of the militias known as the Janjaweed—also helped drive the war in Darfur 20 years ago. John Prendergast, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2024
Noun
Stay in the know:Sign up for the Daily Briefing morning newsletter. USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024 For those in the know, this has been a very profitable trend. Michael Foster, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The town’s population may only be 3, but visitors in the know come for the live music. Stacey Leasca, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2024 The program can be booked by any passenger who’s flying on Delta in Main Cabin or above and is in the know. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2024 For those in the know, Presidents Day weekend is the ideal time to snap up discounts. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024 Here's how to do that in your southwest Valley city: Be in the know:Sign up for the West Valley newsletter Avondale Avondale has different links to report different things, depending on whether the police should be involved. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 17 Feb. 2024 The more a brand’s customers are in the know, the better off the brand will be. Dan Kahn, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 The Row’s Margaux top-handle bag is a contemporary classic for a reason–capacious, expertly crafted, and for those in the know, as instantly recognizable as a Birkin. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'know.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Old English cnāwan; akin to Old High German bichnāan to recognize, Latin gnoscere, noscere to come to know, Greek gignōskein

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of know was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near know

Cite this Entry

“Know.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

know

1 of 2 verb
knew ˈn(y)ü How to pronounce know (audio) ; known ˈnōn How to pronounce know (audio) ; knowing
1
a
: to have understanding of
know yourself
b
: to recognize the nature of
knew them to be honest
2
a
: to recognize the identity of
knew me by my walk
b
: to be acquainted or familiar with
knows the city very well
3
a
: to be aware of the truth of
know that the earth is round
b
: to have a practical understanding of
knows how to write
4
: to have information or knowledge
ask someone who knows
5
: to be or become aware
knew about the problem
knowable adjective
knower noun

know

2 of 2 noun
: the fact of knowing : knowledge

More from Merriam-Webster on know

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