inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

1

a

: the act of inspecting

b

: recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem

solve an equation by inspection

2

: a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Synonyms of inspection

• examination
• audit
• scrutiny
• survey

Examples of inspection in a Sentence

Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects.

Regular inspections are required of all restaurants in the area.

The barracks are ready for inspection.

Recent Examples on the Web

New inspection reports document neglect under Bedrock ownership In just three years, the four facilities racked up 384 violations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates licensed nursing homes. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 12 Nov. 2025

Reuters notes that Turkish and Georgian authorities have started inspections at the site, located in the Sighnaghu municipality of Georgia's Kakheti district. —Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

Moreover, a key document in OSHA’s Boring Company inspection file was altered, according to two people with knowledge of the matter and documents seen by Fortune. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

La Santa passed Wednesday’s callback inspection after the rodents either moved to new housing, gone on vacation or were more subtle about their personal waste disposal. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing inspection

• inspection arms
• on closer inspection
• tour of inspection

Rhymes for inspection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

Kids Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2

inspect

in-ˈspekt 

verb

Legal Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion

: a careful and critical examination: as

a

: a buyer's examination of goods prior to payment or acceptance especially in accordance with section 2-513 of the Uniform Commercial Code

b

: an examination of articles of commerce to determine their fitness for transportation or sale

c

: an investigation of an applicant for insurance

d

: an examination or survey of a community, of premises, of a facility, or of a vehicle by an authorized person (as to determine compliance with regulations or susceptibility to fire or other hazards)

specifically : administrative search at search

e

: examination of documents, things, or property for purposes of making discovery for trial