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

• finding
• detection
• exploration
• awareness

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

His senior deputy, Ashley Jennings, also played a major role, handling a massive discovery process and battling more of Kohberger's pretrial motions. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Even more surprising was the discovery of 13 species whose intentional exploitation had not previously been recognized as a threat by the IUCN. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The discovery was made just after 9:20 a.m. at the park off West Taylor Street that had become the site of the city’s largest homeless encampment, with upward of 300 residents by the city’s estimate. —Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025

Investigators collected multiple plastic bags and cable ties from the area on the night of the discovery and submitted them to the Washington State Crime Lab for DNA testing, according to a report from KHQ. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 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.