knowledge

noun

knowl·edge | \ ˈnä-lij

Definition of knowledge

1a(1) : the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association

(2) : acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique

b(1) : the fact or condition of being aware of something

(2) : the range of one's information or understanding answered to the best of my knowledge

c : the circumstance or condition of apprehending truth or fact through reasoning : cognition

d : the fact or condition of having information or of being learned a person of unusual knowledge

2a : the sum of what is known : the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind

b archaic : a branch of learning

3 archaic : sexual intercourse

4 obsolete : cognizance

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about knowledge

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Choose the Right Synonym for knowledge

knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind. knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. rich in the knowledge of human nature learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling. a book that demonstrates vast learning erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning. an erudition unusual even in a scholar scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation. a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Examples of knowledge in a Sentence

At that time the word science had not been narrowed down to one kind of knowledge; it meant whatever was known, and men of learning were still able to possess most of it. — Jacques Barzun, From Dawn to Decadence, 2000 With their aid, he should be able to adapt himself selectively to his culture, rejecting its evils, stupidities and irrelevances, gratefully accepting all its treasures of accumulated knowledge … and practical wisdom. — Aldous Huxley, "Culture and the … ," in Artificial Paradises, Mike Jay editor, 1999 The knowledge of the godawful way people act (their greed, their vicarious or direct violence), and of the youth and helplessness of those who died, leads to shame … — Harold Brodkey, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 1995 She has little knowledge of fashion. He has devoted himself to the pursuit of knowledge. She gained a thorough knowledge of local customs. Did you have any knowledge of her intentions?

Recent Examples on the Web

Facebook bought Onavo in the fall of 2013 after the charts in the documents were produced, and the acquisition was public knowledge. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "5 takeaways from the UK’s Facebook document dump," 6 Dec. 2018 Unfortunately, like many mysteries in Riverdale, the special significance of the snake isn't public knowledge. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "“Riverdale” Makeup Artist Shared How the Southside Serpents Tattoos Are Made," 31 Aug. 2018 Nancy Sinatra left Frank after his affair with actress Ava Gardner became public knowledge. — John Rogers, chicagotribune.com, "Nancy Sinatra Sr., first wife of Frank Sinatra, dies at 101," 14 July 2018 Nancy Sinatra left Frank after his affair with actress Ava Gardner became public knowledge. — John Rogers, BostonGlobe.com, "Nancy Sinatra Sr., first wife of Frank Sinatra, dies at 101," 14 July 2018 That latter accomplishment led Sinatra to leave him after an affair with actress Ava Gardner became public knowledge. — NBC News, "Nancy Sinatra Sr., first wife of Frank Sinatra, dies at 101," 14 July 2018 Nancy Sinatra left Frank after his affair with actress Ava Gardner became public knowledge. — CBS News, "Nancy Sinatra Sr., Frank Sinatra's first wife, dead at 101," 14 July 2018 New England can trot out a list of talented pass-rushers safe in the knowledge one of them is likely to get into the backfield on each snap. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "Seahawks Mailbag: Free agent rumors and rumblings — Could a few former Seahawks find their way back?," 23 Jan. 2019 Over the course of my mother's cancer, knowledge was my form of control. — Lori Segal, Allure, "My Mom's Breast Cancer Story Doesn't Have a Happy Ending," 11 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knowledge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near knowledge

knowledge engineering

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Last Updated

11 Feb 2019

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Time Traveler for knowledge

The first known use of knowledge was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for knowledge

knowledge

noun

English Language Learners Definition of knowledge

: information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education

: awareness of something : the state of being aware of something

See the full definition for knowledge in the English Language Learners Dictionary

knowledge

noun

knowl·edge | \ ˈnä-lij

Kids Definition of knowledge

1 : understanding and skill gained by experience He has a knowledge of carpentry.

2 : the state of being aware of something or of having information He borrowed my camera without my knowledge.

3 : range of information or awareness To my knowledge our school has never won the championship.

4 : something learned and kept in the mind : learning

knowledge

noun

knowl·edge

Legal Definition of knowledge

1a : awareness or understanding especially of an act, a fact, or the truth : actual knowledge in this entry

b : awareness that a fact or circumstance probably exists broadly : constructive knowledge in this entry — see also scienter, willful blindness

Note: Knowledge fundamentally differs from intent in being grounded in awareness rather than purpose.

— actual knowledge

1 : direct and clear awareness (as of a fact or condition) the bank had actual knowledge that the name and account number referred to different persons

2 : awareness of such information as would cause a reasonable person to inquire further specifically : such awareness considered as a timely and sufficient substitute for actual notice (as of a work-related injury or of a bankruptcy proceeding) ruled that the employer did not have actual notice or actual knowledge within 90 days

— constructive knowledge

: knowledge (as of a condition or fact) that one using ordinary care or diligence would possess had constructive knowledge of the presence of narcotics on his property

— personal knowledge

: direct knowledge of a matter or of the truth or falsity of an allegation a witness may not testify to a matter unless evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter — Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 602

— superior knowledge

: knowledge greater than that possessed by another especially : awareness of a condition or fact that affects another who was not aware of it denied having had superior knowledge of the hazard superior knowledge of a factor in the performance of a contract

2 : the range of one's information, understanding, or expertise answered to the best of his knowledge