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

Lauryn's baby's heart rate was dropping and Lauryn's waters broke during a cervical examination. —Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026

But examination is not censorship. —A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2026

That occurred after a nurse practitioner left the room following a pelvic examination, according to the suit against Lynch and CaroMont. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

The ease of access of these tools on a small personal device have also changed the external appearance of misconduct during an examination, which is much harder for other students to observe (and hence to report). —Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 May 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