discover

verb

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dis·cov·er | \ di-ˈskə-vər

discovered; discovering\ di-ˈskə-v(ə-)riŋ

Definition of discover

transitive verb

1a : to make known or visible : expose discovering himself … as her adoring and magnanimous lover— T. L. Peacock

b archaic : display

2a : to obtain sight or knowledge of for the first time : find discover the solution discovered a new Italian restaurant

b : find out discovered he was out of gas

intransitive verb

: to make a discovery

Other Words from discover Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing discover Learn More About discover

Other Words from discover

discoverable \ di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rə-bəl

\ adjective

discoverer \ di-ˈskə-vər-ər

\ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for discover

discover, ascertain, determine, unearth, learn mean to find out what one did not previously know. discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter. discovered the source of the river ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty. attempts to ascertain the population of the region determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely. unable to determine the origin of the word unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden. unearth old records learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice. I learned her name only today learning Greek

Examples of discover in a Sentence

Several new species of plants have recently been discovered. It took her several weeks to discover the solution. The tests have discovered problems in the current design. She soon discovered what had been going on.

Recent Examples on the Web Even in a market abundant with product, the brand owner and skinfluencer can still discover something that was just under her nose the whole time. — Jihan Forbes, Allure, 20 May 2022 The child, or generations from now that child’s descendants, could upload their DNA to a database and by looking for matches with others who have uploaded theirs, discover some of those distant cousins. — Josh Zumbrun, WSJ, 20 May 2022 Put the most accurate interactive trails maps in your pocket, with 400,000 trails to discover, plan, and track any trail adventure. — Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 18 May 2022 Voyagers can discover virtually unseen and untouched parts of Australia on The True North, an adventure cruise ship that's small enough to glide into the coves and bays, where others cannot go. — Anabel Dean, CNN, 18 May 2022 In time, Raphaël will discover the upsetting circumstances of her death, but for the moment, his grief is acute enough without also having to hate the townspeople who disrespected her. — Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2022 Authorities discover drug smuggling tunnel from Tijuana to San Diego. — Elliot Spagat, USA TODAY, 17 May 2022 Border officials discover massive drug tunnel connecting Tijuana to San Diego. — Jack Durschlag, Fox News, 17 May 2022 Outsiders discover their secret, violence breaks out, and the couple — deeply devoted to the end — step into the unknown, perhaps forever. — Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 16 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discover.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near discover

discous

discover

discovered check

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Last Updated

23 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discover. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for discover

discover

verb

dis·cov·er | \ di-ˈskə-vər

discovered; discovering

Kids Definition of discover

: to find out, see, or learn of especially for the first time : find Scientists have discovered a new species. She discovered a hole in her shirt.