Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
well-known
ˌwell-ˈknown adjective (comparative better-known, superlative best-known)
known by a lot of people ⇨ notorious
it is well-known (that)
• It’s a well-known fact that smoking can cause lung cancer.
• This is probably their best-known song.
• a well-known TV presenter
well-known for
• He was well-known for his extreme political views.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ famous known about by a lot of people in many places, often all over the world: • She always wanted to be famous. | • The Mona Lisa is Da Vinci’s most famous painting.
▪ well-known known about by a lot of people, especially in a particular place: • Shilpa Shetty was well-known in India, but few people in the UK had heard of her. | • a well-known brand of cat food
▪ celebrated written very well-known and admired: • Dalí is one of Spain’s most celebrated artists. | • Martin Luther King’s celebrated speech
▪ renowned/noted famous, especially for a particular thing or activity. Noted is more formal than renowned: • The British are renowned for their love of animals. | • The area is noted for its wines. | • An internationally renowned chef owns the restaurant.
▪ legendary very famous and greatly admired – used especially about people who have been doing something for a long time or who have died: • the legendary blues guitarist, BB King | • Her stage performances were legendary.
▪ celebrity noun [countable] someone who often appears in newspapers, on television etc and is well-known to the public: • The magazine is full of gossip about celebrities. | • Reality TV can turn its participants into celebrities.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
well known
ˌwell ˈknown[well known] adjective
1. known about by a lot of people
Syn: famous
• a well-known actor
• His books are not well known.
2. (of a fact) generally known and accepted
• It is a well-known fact that caffeine is a stimulant.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
well known
well known adjective
known or recognized by many people:
Her views on the subject are already well known.
It is well known that he never gives interviews.
The restaurant is well known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent service.
a well-known local artist
a well-known face/voice
Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
well known
see well-known
well-known
also well known
1) ADJ-GRADED A well-known person or thing is known about by a lot of people and is therefore famous or familiar. If someone is well-known for a particular activity, a lot of people know about them because of their involvement with that activity.
It entertains him to surround himself with attractive, intelligent, or well-known people...
He is well-known to the local police...
Hubbard was well known for his work in the field of drug rehabilitation.
2) ADJ-GRADED A well-known fact is a fact that is known by people in general.
It may be a well-known fact, but I didn't know it...
It is well known that bamboo shoots are a panda's staple diet.