discover

verb

Save Word

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 Meanwhile, fairies start to go missing, while Bloom and her suitemates discover a dangerous threat lurking in the shadows. — Andy Meek, BGR, 17 Sep. 2022 Below, read on to shop their beauty cabinets and discover some helpful insights to inform your routine. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2022 Eat, drink and discover mimosas, waffles, citrus ales and more. — Amanda Kondolojy, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Sep. 2022 Among them are a young man who does genealogy work at low cost, helping others discover their Latino roots. — NBC news, 15 Sep. 2022 And it's been so exciting to see a new generation discover Bemelmans. — Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 12 Sep. 2022 When searching for flights, use an online tool such as Google Flights or Skyscanner to look for flight options, to find the cheapest fare, and also discover dates that avoid a layover. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Sep. 2022 It’s the passing of the baton for the unlikely duo — a hard-nosed Brit and a sunny Texas girl — who have known each other since Cowell helped discover Clarkson as that first American Idol. — Elizabeth Wagmeister, Variety, 7 Sep. 2022 After all, there are so many kinds and regional variations that even those of us who were born in Vietnamese households often discover new ones throughout our lives. — Dan Q. Dao, Chron, 6 Sep. 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.

Learn More About discover

Dictionary Entries Near discover

discous

discover

discovered check

Statistics for discover

Last Updated

20 Sep 2022

Cite this Entry

“Discover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discover. Accessed 30 Sep. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

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.