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 Unlocking the Truth explores a new narrative examining the motives of Dr. Philip Zimbardo, the Stanford University psychology professor who oversaw the experiment and gained worldwide recognition following its conclusion. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024 Beyond Bond, the documentary explores Moore’s life as an A-List star, friends with the Sinatra family, as well as Tony Curtis, Elizabeth Taylor and countless other Hollywood legends. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024 The show explores the stultifying claustrophobia of suburbia and the fallout of chasing your darkest desires. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 Below, explore Vogue’s guide to nailing cocktail attire for men. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explore 

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 31 Oct. 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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