explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr How to pronounce explore (audio)
explored; exploring

transitive verb

1
a
: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into
explore the relationship between social class and learning ability
sometimes used with indirect questions
to explore where ethical issues ariseR. T. Blackburn
b
: to become familiar with by testing or experimenting
explore new cuisines
2
: to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery
3
: to examine especially for diagnostic purposes
explore the wound

intransitive verb

: to make or conduct a systematic search
explore for oil

Examples of explore in a Sentence

Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children. The book explores a number of controversial issues. You need to explore your feelings on this subject more carefully. an opportunity to explore different activities The children were encouraged to explore mathematics. I decided to go out and explore the town. They were sent to explore unknown regions of Africa.
Recent Examples on the Web Thus, Disneyland was a natural theme for the family to explore for the backyard garden. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Yet the Beatles were breathing in new ideas from everywhere, exploring Stockhausen, John Cage, Ravi Shankar, Otis Redding, the Marvelettes. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 The base of the tree and roots have a sculptural quality that is easy to climb on, enticing kids and adults to explore. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2024 Both men fondly remember their childhood adventures, especially summers exploring Menominee Park, just about a block from Simon's childhood home on Oak Street. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 The study explored travel behaviors and trip planning from participants living in seven countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2024 Fingertip injuries are potentially debilitating and common, particularly in curious young children who use their hands to explore their environment without realizing the physical dangers involved. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Monday, San Diego City Council members voted unanimously to explore the formation of what’s known as an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District or EIFD. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 That means exploring your own internal biases, challenging your assumptions and cultivating a growth mindset. Susan Callender, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of explore was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near explore

Cite this Entry

“Explore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explore. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

explore

verb
ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r How to pronounce explore (audio)
-ˈsplȯ(ə)r
explored; exploring
1
a
: to search through : look into
exploring new ideas
b
: to go into or travel over for purposes of discovery or adventure
explore a cave
explore the moon
c
: to examine carefully and in detail especially in order to make a diagnosis
explore a wound
2
: to make a careful search
explore for oil

Medical Definition

explore

transitive verb
explored; exploring
: to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes
the abdomen may need to be explored surgicallyDonald Caslow
exploration noun

More from Merriam-Webster on explore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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