in·ves·ti·gate
in-ˈve-stə-ˌgāt 
investigated; investigating
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
: to make a systematic examination
especially
: to conduct an official inquiry
in·ves·ti·ga·tion
ə̇nˌvestəˈgāshən
plural -s
1
: the action or process of investigating : detailed examination : study, research
success of the … blend in knitwear has led to active investigation of blends with other fibers—
American Fabrics
American Fabricsa strong movement to make American universities centers of scholarly work and scientific investigation—J. B. Conant
J. B. Conant2
: a searching inquiry : examination, survey
his doctoral thesis was a penetrating investigation of the causes of race conflict
carried on energetic investigations of the medicinal flora of Mexico—American Guide Series: Michigan
American Guide Series: Michigan
specifically
: an official probe
the first Congressional investigation of loyalty in government —Will Herberg
Will Herberg Examples of investigate in a Sentence
Verb
The police are still investigating the murder.
The accident was thoroughly investigated.
The manager promised to investigate when we pointed out an error on our bill.
He was investigated for his involvement in the incident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
After investigating, detectives learned that Martinez had assaulted his girlfriend with a knife prior to the invasion.
—Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Pittsburgh police are investigating after a man was found dead inside a garage Sunday evening.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Idaho State Police is investigating the accident.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigate
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Verb
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the film investigates evidence that Greenland’s ice sheet collapsed in the past and asks what that reveals about the planet’s future.
—Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
After investigating, detectives learned that Martinez had assaulted his girlfriend with a knife prior to the invasion.
—Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Pittsburgh police are investigating after a man was found dead inside a garage Sunday evening.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 8 June 2026
Idaho State Police is investigating the accident.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for investigate
Cite this Entry
“Investigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investigate. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate
in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt
investigated; investigating
: to study by close examination and systematic inquiry
Etymology
Verb
from Latin investigare "to track, investigate," from in- "in, toward" and vestigium "footprint" — related to vestige
Word Origin
A detective investigating a crime may find the criminal by following clues. In much the same way, a hunter may find game by following tracks. The origins of the word investigate show how fitting it is to compare the detective to the hunter. The Latin word vestigium meant "footprint, track." Joined with the prefix in-, the noun vestigium gave rise to the verb investigare. This word meant both "to track or trace by footprints" and "to study or examine closely." Only the second meaning was kept when the verb was borrowed into English as investigate.
Legal Definition
investigate
verb
in·ves·ti·gate
in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt
investigated; investigating
: to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry
specifically
: to make (a criminal suspect) the subject of inquiry and study for the purpose of establishing probable cause
: to make a systematic examination
especially
: to conduct an official inquiry
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