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
Kellen's closed-door appearance before the Oversight Committee, which took place May 21, was part of the panel's ongoing inquiry into the federal government's handling of investigations into Epstein and his alleged co-conspirators.
—James Hill, ABC News, 4 June 2026
The company said Wednesday that a new Meta Business Agent feature can be used across apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram to respond to customer inquiries, recommend products and book appointments.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Ramaphosa launched a lawsuit last week after the Constitutional Court ordered a revival of an inquiry over his handling of the 2020 theft of foreign currency at his game farm.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 June 2026
Recile did not immediately respond to inquiries from this news organization on Tuesday evening.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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James Hill, ABC News, 4 June 2026
The company said Wednesday that a new Meta Business Agent feature can be used across apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram to respond to customer inquiries, recommend products and book appointments.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 3 June 2026
Ramaphosa launched a lawsuit last week after the Constitutional Court ordered a revival of an inquiry over his handling of the 2020 theft of foreign currency at his game farm.
—Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 June 2026
Recile did not immediately respond to inquiries from this news organization on Tuesday evening.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 3 June 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 8 Jun. 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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