discovery

noun

dis·​cov·​ery di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rē 

plural discoveries

1

a

: the act or process of discovering

the discovery of a lost city

b(1)

archaic : disclosure

(2)

obsolete : display

c

obsolete : exploration

2

: something discovered

3

: the usually pretrial disclosure of pertinent facts or documents by one or both parties to a legal action or proceeding

Synonyms

• detection
• finding
• spotting
• unearthing

Examples of discovery in a Sentence

Scientists announced the discovery of a new species of plant.

Her research led to a number of important discoveries about the disease.

Reporters made the shocking discovery that the governor had been unfaithful to his wife.

the discovery of pollution in the river

the discovery of a talented musician

sailors during the age of discovery

It was one of the most important discoveries in the history of medicine.

Recent Examples on the Web

The discovery was found near the Basilica of the Birth of the Virgin Mary in Chełm, Poland, roughly 40 miles east of Lublin. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025

This discovery marks the first time scientists have observed this behavior in sea spiders. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025

Brands need their own discovery layer For brands a new playbook is emerging AEO. —Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

And both say that the perks of the card connect to things that are meaningful to them: Travel, food, discovery. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing discovery

• pre-discovery
• self-discovery

Kids Definition

discovery

noun

dis·​cov·​ery dis-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē 

plural discoveries

1

: the act or process of discovering

2

: something discovered

Legal Definition

discovery

noun

dis·​cov·​ery

plural discoveries

1

: the act or process of discovering

2

: something discovered

applied for a patent for the discovery

3

a

: the methods used by parties to a civil or criminal action to obtain information held by the other party that is relevant to the action see also deposition, interrogatory, request for production

b

: the disclosure of information held by the opposing party in an action

a party need not provide discovery of electronically stored information…not reasonably accessible

—Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26(b)(2)(B)

see also privilege, work product doctrine

Note: Discovery allowed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 is far-reaching. With some exceptions, a party may obtain discovery of any relevant information as long as it is not privileged, including information that itself would not be admissible at trial but that is likely to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Criminal discovery, however, has been more controversial. Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16, a defendant may obtain discovery of his or her own written or recorded statements or confessions, results of examinations and tests, his or her recorded testimony before a grand jury, and testimony to be given by the prosecution's expert witnesses. A defendant may also inspect the prosecution's books, documents, photographs, objects, and other items of evidence. Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.1, the prosecution must also disclose the names of witnesses that will be called to rebut the defendant's alibi defense. The defendant must also permit the prosecution to inspect books, documents, photographs, and objects and must disclose reports of examinations or tests and testimony of expert witnesses.