surveying

noun

sur·​vey·​ing sər-ˈvā-iŋ 

ˈsər-ˌvā-

: a branch of applied mathematics that is concerned with determining the area of any portion of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the bounding lines, and the contour of the surface and with accurately delineating the whole on paper

Examples of surveying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The resort spearheaded the Maldives Underwater Initiative with a goal of identifying, surveying, and protecting more than 670 resident sea turtles and over 130 manta rays. —Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025

The program collects data to assess and manage major fisheries off the California coast, surveying marine life and monitoring indicators of ocean and environmental change. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025

For the next 25 months, the SPHEREx observatory will orbit Earth more than 11,000 times while surveying and imaging the surrounding sky. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

But, just as critics have accused algorithmic recommendations of sorting viewers into silos of similar entertainment, Jump’s relentless surveying could be said to promote a certain sameness across its content. —Matt Alt, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surveying

• allaying
• arraying
• assaying
• betraying
• bricklaying
• buffeting
• conveying
• crocheting
• decaying
• defraying
• delaying
• dismaying

Kids Definition

surveying

noun

sur·​vey·​ing

sər-ˈvā-iŋ

: a branch of mathematics concerned with finding the area of any part of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the boundary lines, and the shape of the surface and with accurately showing the results on paper