1. to make a preliminary inspection or survey of an area, especially for military purposes
Usage: military; British spelling

Examples

• The soldiers were ordered to reconnoitre the enemy positions before dawn.
• We need to reconnoitre the terrain before planning our route.
• The captain sent a small team to reconnoitre the coastline.
• They spent hours reconnoitring the area for potential campsites.
• The scouts will reconnoitre the valley and report back by evening.
• Before the attack, special forces reconnoitred the target building.