1
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
1
: to have knowledge
2
: to be or become cognizant
—sometimes used interjectionally with you especially as a filler in informal speech
Phrases
know from
: to have knowledge of
didn't know from sibling rivalry—
Penny Marshall
Penny Marshall
: 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
Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
Beta amyloid plaques are known to collect between neurons in the brain and disrupt cell function.
—Jade Walker, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
The discs ended up in a humble supply closet in the office, which has since become both an archival treasure trove and a destination for those in the know.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for know
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Verb
The cause of the fire was not known, the Fire Brigade said.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
Beta amyloid plaques are known to collect between neurons in the brain and disrupt cell function.
—Jade Walker, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
While Swift’s social media silence and retreat from her famous friend group has only fueled the rumor mill, those in the know suggest this is all about self-preservation, not just relationship drama.
—Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
The discs ended up in a humble supply closet in the office, which has since become both an archival treasure trove and a destination for those in the know.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for know
Cite this Entry
“Know.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/know. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
know
1 of 2 verb1
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
know
2 of 2 noun
: the fact of knowing : knowledge
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