explore

play

verb ex·plore \ ik-ˈsplȯr \

Definition of explore

explored; exploring

transitive verb

1 a :to investigate, study, or analyze :look into

explore the relationship between social class and learning ability

—sometimes used with indirect questions

to explore where ethical issues arise
—R. T. Blackburn

b :to become familiar with by testing or experimenting

explore new cuisines

2 :to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery

3 :to examine especially for diagnostic purposes

explore the wound

intransitive verb

:to make or conduct a systematic search

explore for oil

See explore defined for English-language learners

See explore defined for kids

Examples of explore in a Sentence

Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.
The book explores a number of controversial issues.
You need to explore your feelings on this subject more carefully.
an opportunity to explore different activities
The children were encouraged to explore mathematics.
I decided to go out and explore the town.
They were sent to explore unknown regions of Africa.

Recent Examples of explore from the Web

Explore the art of downtown Delray. 6-9 p.m. East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "What to do with the kids this weekend: Free zoo, bowling and crafts events," 30 Aug. 2017
Guests are invited to explore beyond the card at the Adventure Garden, Welcome Garden, Rose Gardens and Meyer Memorial Pavilion.

— Post-Tribune, "Community news," 28 Aug. 2017
Sign up for a birthday shout-out here, and click here to explore the Timeline feature for yourself.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic," 25 Aug. 2017
That means there are plenty of sandy beaches to be strolled and explored.

— jackie smith, The Seattle Times, "Lake Chelan in harvest time offers wine, walks and water sports," 24 Aug. 2017
Kids can explore their creativity during Paint Covered Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekly in North Avenue Art Works at Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave.

— myrna petlicki, chicagotribune.com, "Get creative in color at Wonder Works Museum," 24 Aug. 2017
With a high-profile monument, maybe some tourists would pull off the highway and explore the area.

— chico harlan, Washington Post, "A 121-year-old Confederate monument was coming down. This Kentucky town put it back up.," 20 Aug. 2017
Phoebe is still married to JD and has a new friend in her life, Gemma, that has obviously caused a little bit of a wall between her and JD, so that relationship is explored.

— andra chantim, Redbook, "The Stars of Bravo's Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce Spill on the New Season," 16 Aug. 2017
The hayride itself is a huge production, and there are also several mazes, including one that visitors explore in total darkness.

— lisa beebe, Los Angeles Magazine, "It’s August, Which Means Tickets to L.A.’s Biggest Halloween Haunts Are Now on Sale," 16 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'explore.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of explore

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1531

See Words from the same year

explore Synonyms

Synonyms

delve (into), dig (into), examine, inquire (into), investigate, look (into), probe, research, check into, check up on

Related Words

inspect, sift, study, view; browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through); coinvestigate, reinvestigate

EXPLORE Defined for English Language Learners

explore

play

verb

Definition of explore for English Language Learners

: to look at (something) in a careful way to learn more about it : to study or analyze (something)
: to talk or think about (something) in a thoughtful and detailed way
: to learn about (something) by trying it

EXPLORE Defined for Kids

explore

play

verb ex·plore \ ik-ˈsplȯr \

Definition of explore for Students

explored; exploring

1 :to search through or into :study closely

Doctors explored the spread of the disease.

2 :to go into or through for purposes of discovery or adventure

explore a cave

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explorer

\ik-ˈsplȯr-ər\ noun

Medical Dictionary

explore

play

transitive verb ex·plore \ ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r \

medical Definition of explore

explored; exploring

:to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes

the abdomen may need to be explored surgically
—Donald Caslow

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exploration

play \ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən\ noun

Learn More about explore

See words that rhyme with explore Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for explore Spanish Central: Translation of explore Nglish: Translation of explore for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of explore for Arabic speakers

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Definition of explore

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Examples of explore in a Sentence

Recent Examples of explore from the Web

Origin and Etymology of explore

explore Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

EXPLORE Defined for English Language Learners

explore

Definition of explore for English Language Learners

EXPLORE Defined for Kids

explore

Definition of explore for Students

explorer

Medical Dictionary

explore

medical Definition of explore

exploration

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