explored; exploring
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
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
: 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
The neighborhood/area Perched just minutes from Joshua Tree Village and 15 minutes from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, The Bungalows make a serene base for exploring the High Desert.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Fifteen people seeking to exit a popular backcountry zone off Interstate 80, often explored by beginners and advanced skiers alike, were caught in a massive avalanche that stretched the length of a football field.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, a fresher avenue of research exploring AI’s effect on the workforce using it is already producing damning insights.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026
In 1938, Hermann Göring dispatched an expedition to Greenland, ostensibly to explore the island’s flora and fauna.
—Timothy W. Ryback, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Fifteen people seeking to exit a popular backcountry zone off Interstate 80, often explored by beginners and advanced skiers alike, were caught in a massive avalanche that stretched the length of a football field.
—Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, a fresher avenue of research exploring AI’s effect on the workforce using it is already producing damning insights.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Feb. 2026
In 1938, Hermann Göring dispatched an expedition to Greenland, ostensibly to explore the island’s flora and fauna.
—Timothy W. Ryback, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
Cite this Entry
“Explore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explore. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Donald CaslowLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
