explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr 

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

Synonyms

• delve (into)
• dig (into)
• examine
• inquire (into)
• investigate
• look (into)
• probe
• research

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 on the Web

This tour from Louisville Food Tours explores the historic Original Highlands and scenic Cherokee Triangle neighborhoods savoring the story of Louisville and Kentucky through its cuisine. —Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 12 July 2024

This romantic social drama explores the profound dichotomy between the magic of falling in love and the painful process of falling out of love. —John Hopewell, Variety, 12 July 2024

Wilson received the Captain America shield from Steve Rogers at the end of 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, and the 2021 Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier explored Wilson’s uncertainty about his newfound role. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2024

Surprise and exploring jewelry crafts with new materials or techniques is the spirit behind Boucheron’s annual Carte Blanche collection. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing explore

• re-explore

Kids Definition

explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r 

-ˈsplȯ(ə)r

explored; exploring

1

a

: to search through : look into

exploring new ideas

b

: to go into or travel over for purposes of discovery or adventure

explore a cave

explore the moon

c

: to examine carefully and in detail especially in order to make a diagnosis

explore a wound

2

: to make a careful search

explore for oil

Medical Definition

explore

transitive verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r 

explored; exploring

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

the abdomen may need to be explored surgically

—Donald Caslow

exploration

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

noun