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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
The world wants to know: What kind of superpower will America be in the years to come? New York Times, 3 Nov. 2024 The influencer has become known for her lifestyle content and podcast, CHEERS! Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
In addition, Emma has a newsletter for readers who want to be in the know about her latest creations and reviews. Karla Renic, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Its niche clientele pull others who want to be in the know into the brand’s orbit. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for know 

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 5 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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