# well known

CEFR B1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/well-known
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

someone or something that many people know about or recognize.

For teachers: an adjectival compound describing a person, place, or thing that is widely recognized or famous within a specific context.

## Examples

- He is a well known actor in this country.
- The restaurant is well known for its excellent seafood and friendly service.
- Although the author is well known among academic circles, her work remains largely undiscovered by the general public.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a well known singer" but "a well-known singer" — when used before a noun as a modifier, the phrase requires a hyphen to link the two words.

## Usage notes

- use a hyphen (well-known) when it comes before a noun, but no hyphen when it follows a verb.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'famous' to show that 'well known' can be neutral or specific to a small group, whereas 'famous' usually implies global or very broad recognition.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.