examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
1
: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2
: an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge
3
: a formal interrogation
examinational adjective

Examples of examination in a Sentence

On closer examination, the painting appears to be a fake. The victim's clothes were sent to the lab for examination. The police made a rigorous examination of the evidence at the crime scene. The court ordered that the defendant undergo a psychiatric examination. I have to study for the history examination. procedures that are not allowed during examination of witnesses
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In September, educational programming offered for Constitution and Arkansas Freedom Week included an exploration of the history of voting rights and an examination of how access to information can influence decision-making. Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025 An examination of the 26-page affidavit reveals some of the gritty details of the eight-plus months of investigation that led to his arrest. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 At the same time, examination of Mimas' largest crater is providing further constraints on the age range of the potential ocean. Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Late in the third quarter, Dart sustained a jarring hit to the shoulder from Eagles linebacker Patrick Johnson and was slow to get up before leaving the field and heading to the blue medical tent for examination. Mike Jones, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for examination

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of examination was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/examination. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
1
: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined
2
: a test to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

Medical Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce examination (audio)
: the act or process of inspecting or testing for evidence of disease or abnormality see physical examination

Legal Definition

examination

noun
ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion
: the act or process of examining
especially : a formal questioning especially in a court proceeding see also cross-examination, direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination compare affidavit, deposition

More from Merriam-Webster on examination

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