explore

verb ex·plore \ ik-ˈsplȯr \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Examples: explore in a Sentence

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

Science Saturday will explore Pinhook Bog from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.

— staff report, Post-Tribune, "Community news," 12 July 2018
Families can explore creative projects in a public portion of the facility called the STEAM studio, said Holly Kelsven, the center’s marketing and events coordinator.

— david gleisner, Daily Southtown, "Homewood Science Center to open Wednesdays, Saturdays," 10 July 2018
According to Mashable, Fries and his team had identified the meteorite fall area to one square kilometer of ocean that went about 100 meters deep, then went exploring on the Nautilus, an Ocean Exploration Trust vessel.

— laura yan, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists May Have Found Meteorite Fragments in the Ocean," 8 July 2018
The series continues later this summer with shows exploring monuments and modern marvels.

— patrick sisson, Curbed, "10 Streets that Changed America," 5 July 2018
Spacecraft scheduled to launch soon could explore what this new discovery says about the chances of life within icy moons like Enceladus, the study’s researchers said.

— charles q. choi, Scientific American, "Ingredients for Life Found on Saturn’s Moon, Enceladus," 27 June 2018
Discovered by the Saturn-exploring Cassini spacecraft in late 2005, icy jets erupting from Enceladus were a surprise to most scientists.

— National Geographic, "Right Stuff for Life Found on Small Saturn Moon," 27 June 2018
Reporter Nate Lanxon explores what Europe’s far-reaching data regulation means for ordinary consumers.

— nate lanxon, Bloomberg.com, "My Quest to Get My Data Back From Facebook, OkCupid and More," 26 June 2018
Continuing our mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire.

— NBC News, "Meet the Press - June 17, 2018," 17 June 2018

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

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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