question

1 of 2

noun

ques·​tion ˈkwes-chən 

ˈkwesh-

1

a(1)

: an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge

(2)

: an interrogative sentence or clause

b

: a subject or aspect in dispute or open for discussion : issue

broadly : problem, matter

c(1)

: a subject or point of debate or a proposition to be voted on in a meeting

(2)

: the bringing of such to a vote

d

: the specific point at issue

2

a

: an act or instance of asking : inquiry

b

: interrogation

also : a judicial or official investigation

c

: torture as part of an examination

d(1)

: objection, dispute

true beyond question

(2)

: room for doubt or objection

little question of his skill

(3)

: chance, possibility

no question of escape

question

2 of 2

verb

questioned; questioning; questions

transitive verb

1

: to ask a question of or about

2

: to interrogate intensively : cross-examine

3

a

: doubt, dispute

b

: to subject to analysis : examine

intransitive verb

: to ask questions : inquire

questioner noun

Synonyms

Noun

• interrogative
• problem

Verb

• challenge
• contest
• dispute
• impeach
• oppugn
• query

Choose the Right Synonym for question

ask, question, interrogate, query, inquire mean to address a person in order to gain information.

ask implies no more than the putting of a question.

ask for directions

question usually suggests the asking of series of questions.

questioned them about every detail of the trip

interrogate suggests formal or official systematic questioning.

the prosecutor interrogated the witness all day

query implies a desire for authoritative information or confirmation.

queried a librarian about the book

inquire implies a searching for facts or for truth often specifically by asking questions.

began to inquire of friends and teachers what career she should pursue

Examples of question in a Sentence

Noun

Can I ask you a personal question?

I don't understand the question.

Are there any more questions?

In answer to your question, our next meeting will be on Friday.

The essay questions on the test were easy.

There are 10 multiple-choice questions on the exam.

The exam included several questions on current events.

The question arose as to who would be responsible for caring for our grandmother.

I expected him to ask where I worked, but the question never came up.

The key question in solving the mystery is, how did the murderer enter the house?

Verb

The reporter questioned her at length on her life as the First Lady.

The witness was questioned by the defense.

I could tell that she was questioning my decision.

He began to question his ability to do the job.

I trusted him and I never questioned what he told me.

The lawyer questioned the truth of the witness's statement.

He began to question whether the things she had said were really true.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis and reflect on the pontiff's legacy as a reformer, questions are emerging about who might follow the 266th leader of the church. —Katie Landeck, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

The question looming on many minds around the world following the death of Pope Francis on Monday is who will become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

Verb

Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned the district’s defense that the books are being used to promote respect for others and to show that the world is diverse. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

But critics have questioned why the church, historically a defender of human rights and Christian values, would willingly join forces with the Chinese government, which under leader Xi Jinping has further curtailed religious freedom. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin quaestion-, quaestio, from quaerere to seek, ask

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing question

• a question mark over
• a question of
• beg the question
• beyond question
• call in question
• call into question
• come into question
• counter-question
• cross-question
• essay question
• good question
• in question
• leading question
• loaded question
• open question
• open to question
• out of the question
• pop the question
• previous question
• put another question to
• question and answer session
• question mark
• question master
• question time
• rhetorical question
• self-question
• tag question
• the big question
• there is no question of
• throw/bring into question
• trick question
• without question

Rhymes for question

• gestion
• congestion
• digestion
• ingestion
• suggestion
• indigestion

Kids Definition

question

1 of 2 noun

ques·​tion ˈkwes-chən 

ˈkwesh-

1

a

: something asked

try to make your questions brief

b

: a topic to be talked or argued about

arms control and other questions of the day

c

: a suggestion to be voted on

put the question to the members

2

a

: an act or instance of asking : inquiry

b

: objection sense 1

obey without question

c

: possibility sense 1

no question of escape

question

2 of 2 verb

1

: to ask questions of or about

2

: to doubt the correctness of

question the decision

3

: to look at or consider carefully : examine

questioner noun

Legal Definition

question

noun

ques·​tion

1

: a particular query directed to a witness compare interrogatory

— hypothetical question \ ˌhī-​pə-​ˈthe-​ti-​kəl-​ \

: a question directed to an expert witness (as a physician) that is based on the existence of facts offered in evidence and the answer to which is an opinion to be considered in light of the evidence

Note: Modern rules of evidence have lessened the need for a hypothetical question setting forth all of the facts to be assumed in answering the question. An expert witness may state an opinion based on data or facts considered reliable in his or her field even if not already disclosed or not admissible as evidence.

— leading question

: a question so framed or presented as to suggest a particular answer

leading questions should not be used on the direct examination of a witness except as may be necessary to develop the witness' testimony

—Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 611(c)

Note: Leading questions are permitted in cross-examination and in direct examination of an adverse witness or one who is a child or has a communication disorder.

2

: a particular matter or issue that is in dispute, uncertain, or to be inquired into

— certified question

: a question of state law that may determine the outcome of a case pending in a federal court and that is submitted by the federal court to the state's highest court when there is no controlling state precedent

: a question of law submitted to a federal or state court by a lower court or tribunal

— federal question

: a question that falls under the jurisdiction of a federal court because it requires a resolution of the construction or application of federal law see also federal question jurisdiction at jurisdiction

— political question

: a question that the court declines to consider because it involves a political matter that is not justiciable without infringing on the powers of the executive or legislative branch or is not accompanied by guiding policy or discoverable and manageable standards for resolving it see also political question doctrine

— question of fact

: a question that depends on an examination of factual matters, is usually decided by a jury, and is usually not considered on appeal

— question of law

: a question that depends on an examination of law rather than fact, is decided by a judge rather than by a jury, and may be examined on appeal

3

: a proposition submitted to a vote (as in a referendum)