explored; exploring
1
a
: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into
Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.
explore the relationship between social class and learning ability
—sometimes used with indirect questions… to explore where ethical issues arise …—
R. T. Blackburn
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
: to make or conduct a systematic search
explore for oil
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
The boarding school setting provided me with a framework in which to explore Jean’s feelings of alienation.
—Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Railbookers' Grand Alaska Adventure itinerary is one of the best ways to explore the Last Frontier.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
During a panel hosted by sustainability moderator Merle Becker, industry heavyweights explored how the sector’s transformation—from artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to sustainable materials and digital development processes—is becoming a strategic resource.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This year, a new walk-through experience invites guests to explore the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
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Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Railbookers' Grand Alaska Adventure itinerary is one of the best ways to explore the Last Frontier.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
During a panel hosted by sustainability moderator Merle Becker, industry heavyweights explored how the sector’s transformation—from artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to sustainable materials and digital development processes—is becoming a strategic resource.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This year, a new walk-through experience invites guests to explore the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
Cite this Entry
“Explore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explore. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Donald CaslowLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
