exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce exploratory (audio)
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery
exploratory drilling for oil

Examples of exploratory in a Sentence

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.
The clothing at the presentation was subversive and exploratory. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 22 June 2025 As Bernstein emphasizes, the retail giants are in an exploratory phase. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 16 June 2025 Midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 35, is expected to be top of Everton’s list of priorities, while exploratory conversations are also likely to be had with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 12 May 2025 The three bombs were found during exploratory work in the German city of Cologne on Monday, resulting in what officials called the largest evacuation of the city since the end of World War II, the Associated Press reported. Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploratory

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploratory was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Exploratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploratory. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

exploratory

adjective
ex·​plor·​a·​to·​ry
ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē,
-ˌtȯr-
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory drilling for oil
an exploratory trip
exploratory surgery

Medical Definition

exploratory

adjective
: of, relating to, or being exploration
exploratory surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on exploratory

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