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
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.
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
How 301 works Section 301 tariffs require country-specific inquiries that include hearings and an opportunity for input from affected companies or nations.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested Thursday — his birthday — on suspicion of misconduct in public office during an inquiry linked to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
The worst outcome would be if police expand their inquiries to what the broader institution might have known and when.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
The backstory Founded in 1941 by British mystic Edwin John Dingle—better known as Ding Le Mei—the Mentalphysics Spiritual Teaching and Retreat Center was conceived as a sanctuary for spiritual inquiry and mental well-being.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was arrested Thursday — his birthday — on suspicion of misconduct in public office during an inquiry linked to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 21 Feb. 2026
The worst outcome would be if police expand their inquiries to what the broader institution might have known and when.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 2026
The backstory Founded in 1941 by British mystic Edwin John Dingle—better known as Ding Le Mei—the Mentalphysics Spiritual Teaching and Retreat Center was conceived as a sanctuary for spiritual inquiry and mental well-being.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
Cite this Entry
“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē
ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r-
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
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