research

noun re·search \ ri-ˈsərch , ˈrē-ˌsərch \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

1 : careful or diligent search

2 : studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws

3 : the collecting of information about a particular subject

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Examples of research in a Sentence

She conducts research into the causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Recent research shows that the disease is caused in part by bad nutrition.
The study is an important piece of research.
He did a lot of research before buying his car.

Recent Examples of research from the Web

This line of research sets out the intriguing possibility that enjoyment of intense physical experiences such as riding on roller coasters may reflect individual differences in brain chemistry.

— richard stephens, Smithsonian, "The History and Psychology of Roller Coasters," 12 July 2018
On average, college grads with bachelor's degrees owed $29,669 in student loans in 2015-16, according to Mark Kantrowitz, publisher and vice president of research for Savingforcollege.com.

— susan tompor, Detroit Free Press, "Students aren't the only ones crushed by school debt," 11 July 2018
The stance has puzzled many health experts, as decades of research has shown that breast milk is the healthiest option for babies overall.

— ashley welch, CBS News, "Why breastfeeding is the "gold standard" for babies' health," 10 July 2018
Other organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, don’t fund that type of novel research.

— chuck gibson, Cincinnati.com, "$800,000 in research grants awarded by CancerFree KIDS," 10 July 2018
James Wilsdon, a science policy specialist at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, says considering people outside of biomedical research is a good idea.

— kai kupferschmidt, Science | AAAS, "Biomedical charity places major bet on ‘bold’ research to win bigger payoffs," 10 July 2018
Was one bit of research even attempted prior to this move to an area not even thrilled about the Rams’ return?

— nick canepa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "King James’ arrival in L.A. puts Bolts further down line," 9 July 2018
The basic oxygen process, still used widely today, was developed almost a century ago, when the ramifications of climate change were only just entering circles of scientific research.

— jonathan schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018
But for decades, Yerkes has been obsolete as a cutting-edge research center.

— ted gregory, chicagotribune.com, "U. of C.'s Yerkes Observatory has been a cherished icon for decades. Now it's for sale, and people are nervous," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'research.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of research

Middle French recerche, from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier, from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1577

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year