examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən 

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

ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of examination

• exam
• test

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

Williams and Heatley are due back in court on March 16 for a probable cause conference and on March 23 for a preliminary examination. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026

That mark has already advanced through the examination process and received a Notice of Allowance, meaning the company must now submit proof that the brand is being used in commerce before the registration can be finalized. —Bryan West, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

While Parayko was in Seattle with the team on Wednesday night, still contemplating his decision, Armstrong ordered a thorough examination of his staff’s phone, text and email records. —Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

Advertisement With the case stalled, investigators decided to use polygraph examinations to test the credibility of their statements. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing examination

• cross-examination
• direct examination
• entrance examination
• examination table
• physical examination
• postmortem examination
• redirect examination
• re-examination
• self-examination
• under examination

Rhymes for examination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

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 

: 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