inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

1

a

: the act of inspecting

b

: recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem

solve an equation by inspection

2

: a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Synonyms

• audit
• check
• checkup
• examination
• going-over
• look-see
• review
• scan
• scrutiny
• survey
• view

Examples of inspection in a Sentence

Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects.

Regular inspections are required of all restaurants in the area.

The barracks are ready for inspection.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Holland Tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey was temporarily closed for inspection and has been reopened, authorities said. —Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024

The city itself wouldn't have any inspection authority, as the bridge is technically on county land, May said. —Bridget Fogarty, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024

The county conducts roughly 14,000 inspections a year, and 97% of all restaurants pass their inspections, Ken Casparis, a spokesman, previously told The Bee. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024

Both companies said that besides adding a new fuse, dealers will fix any brake fluid leaks that might be found during inspections. —Tom Krisher, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2024

During a conversation at a kitchen table over restaurant health inspection grades, the pair breaks into an argument about whose water glass is whose — which leads to a hilarious fictional reason behind the tour postponement. —Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

Both companies also said dealers will fix brake fluid leaks found during inspections. —Tom Krisher, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2024

The group asks for the appointment of an independent monitor to investigate the issue, inspection of internal records and distribution of the missive to all shareholders in what appears to be a bid to undermine chief executive Bob Iger in a proxy fight against Nelson Peltz. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Apr. 2024

The legislation passed overwhelmingly and required Missouri’s unlicensed boarding schools to register with the state, submit to health and safety inspections and conduct background checks on all employees. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing inspection

• tour of inspection
• inspection arms
• on closer inspection

Kids Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2

inspect

in-ˈspekt 

verb

Legal Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion

: a careful and critical examination: as

a

: a buyer's examination of goods prior to payment or acceptance especially in accordance with section 2-513 of the Uniform Commercial Code

b

: an examination of articles of commerce to determine their fitness for transportation or sale

c

: an investigation of an applicant for insurance

d

: an examination or survey of a community, of premises, of a facility, or of a vehicle by an authorized person (as to determine compliance with regulations or susceptibility to fire or other hazards)

specifically : administrative search at search

e

: examination of documents, things, or property for purposes of making discovery for trial