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
Travel In Style What to pack, where to shop, and all the chic places to eat, stay, and explore in the world's most fashionable destinations.
—InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026
The emerging cooperation has opened the door for American companies to explore opportunities in Venezuela’s mineral-rich south, even as governance on the ground remains dominated by armed groups and informal networks.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Festivals have recognized that, while K-pop broke a lot of ground, many other countries have distinct twists on the formula worth exploring.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
This series, based on a true story, explores the life of Molly Kochan (Michelle Williams), a woman living with terminal cancer who navigates her illness and childhood trauma, blending comedy and profound honesty in a way that challenges traditional narratives around death and sexuality.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
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InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026
The emerging cooperation has opened the door for American companies to explore opportunities in Venezuela’s mineral-rich south, even as governance on the ground remains dominated by armed groups and informal networks.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Festivals have recognized that, while K-pop broke a lot of ground, many other countries have distinct twists on the formula worth exploring.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
This series, based on a true story, explores the life of Molly Kochan (Michelle Williams), a woman living with terminal cancer who navigates her illness and childhood trauma, blending comedy and profound honesty in a way that challenges traditional narratives around death and sexuality.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 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
