inquiry

noun

in·​qui·​ry in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē 

ˈin-ˌkwī(-ə)r-ē;

ˈin-kwə-rē 

ˈiŋ-;

ˈin-ˌkwir-ē

plural inquiries

1

: a request for information

2

: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest

3

: examination into facts or principles : research

Synonyms

• investigation
• examination
• exploration
• study
• probe
• probing

Examples of inquiry in a Sentence

Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since. —Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996

… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink. —Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965

… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions … —Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955

She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.

The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.

Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.

The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultimately, the classroom is a place to equip students to better understand the world through historical and theoretical inquiry. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025

The agency has been investigating the collapse for more than four years, and will officially conclude the inquiry at the end of 2025. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

The materialist, physiological explanation for the phenomenon of panic generates a bright contrast with the philosophical and metaphysical inquiries that have Nicholas, and Clune, in their grip. —Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025

Neither California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office nor representatives for state senate and assembly leaders respond to inquiries left outside of normal business hours. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see inquire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing inquiry

• court of inquiry

Rhymes for inquiry

• expiry
• kyrie
• wiry

Kids Definition

inquiry

noun

in·​qui·​ry in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē  ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r- 

ˈin-kwə-rē,

ˈiŋ-;

ˈin-ˌkwi(ə)r-ē

plural inquiries

1

a

: the act of inquiring

learn by inquiry

b

: a request for information

make inquiries at the station

2

: a search for truth or knowledge

3

: a careful examination : investigation

Legal Definition

inquiry

noun

in·​qui·​ry ˈin-ˌkwīr-ē, in-ˈkwīr-ē; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ- 

plural inquiries

1

: a request for information

such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to make an inquiry

2

: a systematic official investigation often of a matter of public interest especially by a body (as a legislative committee) with power to compel testimony