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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Hopkins, who is well known for his own monstrous portrayal of Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs, has been working frequently, including voicing a character in the two-part Netflix film Rebel Moon and forthcoming sci-fi flick Eyes in the Trees. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2025 Elizabeth Lail, known for Netflix’s You, just reprised her role in the Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
And, this includes staying in the know about the top books coming out each month of the year. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025 For those in the know, the ability to play a video game in a PDF file begs a certain, extremely specific programming community question. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025 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 3 Feb. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!