exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
-ˌsplȯ-
: the act or an instance of exploring
explorational adjective

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration the early exploration of the West early explorations of the West
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 Autry believes that the billions of dollars being spent by companies like SpaceX and the federal government to support space exploration, return to the Moon and potentially get to Mars is money well spent. Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2025 The show promises a visually lush exploration of wealth, loyalty and deception set against the city’s harbor culture. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025 There were moments in that book that are very much an exploration of what could happen that would stop you from being able to get back to your kids safely and in one piece. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploration

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploration was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploration. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exploration

noun
ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
: the act or an instance of exploring

More from Merriam-Webster on exploration

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