explore

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

By Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman Neuroscientist Eagleman and composer Brandt explore the many manifestations of our most unique trait.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "What to Read in December," 10 Nov. 2017
In The Gap, Goidel bravely, if sometimes bafflingly, explores that dangerous terrain.

— toby zinman, Philly.com, "Azuka Theatre's 'The Gap' is a female exploration of chasing answers," 5 Nov. 2017
Future Tense explores the ways emerging technologies affect society, policy, and culture.

— kelly weinersmith, Slate Magazine, "The five mind-blowing technologies we had to cut from our book about the future.," 30 Oct. 2017
In his new account of the Kennedy assassination, Philip Shenon, a former investigative reporter for the New York Times, explores why many suspected an international conspiracy.

— bob schieffer, CBS News, "The assassination of JFK: As it happened," 26 Oct. 2017
Though it's being led by the osteopathic college, thanks to the partnership of additional colleges, the high school students will be able to explore additional divisions incluing dental, optometry, nursing, and pharmacy.

— emily bloch, Sun-Sentinel.com, "New fellowship program at NSU gives students extra edge," 24 Oct. 2017
Goldman explores options for its stake in Harvey Weinstein’s studio.

— Bloomberg.com, "Your Evening Briefing," 14 Oct. 2017
In this week's Maphead, Ken Jennings explores the British town that changed its name to distance itself from a fictional character.

— ken jennings, CNT, "A British Town Changed Its Name Because of Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen," 9 Oct. 2017
With an archaeologist’s eye for detail, Langlands goes beyond the glue gun to explore the connection between our ancestors and modern makers.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "What to Read in December," 10 Nov. 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;

Related Words

inspect, sift, study, view;

browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through);

Phrases

check into, check up on;

EXPLORE Defined for English Language Learners

explore

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