explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr 

explored; exploring

transitive verb

1

a

: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into

Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.

explore the relationship between social class and learning ability

—sometimes used with indirect questions

… to explore where ethical issues arise …

—R. 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

Synonyms of explore

• investigate
• examine

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

The history lover waiting to explore the ruins of Rhodes or the UNESCO site of Corfu should mix in a few more city-appropriate items—including comfortable walking shoes. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 27 July 2026

Many of the issues expected to factor into Colt’s sentencing were first explored during his father’s trial earlier this year. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

One couple has returned year after year, exploring into areas that tourists rarely see. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026

The Roots are eyeing Howard Terminal — the waterfront land where the A’s once explored a major stadium-and-housing development — as a site to build a temporary 8,000-seat stadium. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing explore

• re-explore

Rhymes for explore

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r 

-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

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r 

explored; exploring

: to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes

the abdomen may need to be explored surgically

—Donald Caslow

exploration

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

noun