inquire

verb

in·​quire in-ˈkwī(-ə)r How to pronounce inquire (audio)
inquired; inquiring

intransitive verb

1
: to put a question : seek for information by questioning
inquired about the horses
2
: to make investigation or inquiry
often used with into

transitive verb

1
: to ask about
some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fateThomas Gray
2
: to search into : investigate
inquirer noun
inquiringly adverb
Phrases
inquire after
: to ask about the health of
Choose the Right Synonym for inquire

ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information.

ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Examples of inquire in a Sentence

When I inquired, they told me she was not here. We inquired the way to the station. “So, what do you want?” he inquired.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those who have questions about this program, or who want to inquire about other activities and volunteer opportunities, may call DMCC during business hours at (858) 792-7565, email dmcc@dmcc.cc or visit the website at www.dmcc.cc. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 Prospective parents have stopped calling to inquire about openings. Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025 New York inquired about Udoka after their season ended, but Houston quickly shot down the interest. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 Contending teams will undoubtedly be inquiring about him, given all those factors. Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for inquire

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enquiren, from Anglo-French enquerre, from Vulgar Latin *inquaerere, alteration of Latin inquirere, from in- + quaerere to seek

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inquire was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inquire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquire. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

inquire

verb
in·​quire in-ˈkwī(ə)r How to pronounce inquire (audio)
inquired; inquiring
1
: to ask about
inquired the way to the train station
2
: to make an investigation
inquire into the accident
3
: to ask a question
inquired about the weather
inquirer noun
inquiringly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inquire

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