research

1 of 2

noun

re·​search ri-ˈsərch  ˈrē-ˌsərch 

1

: 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

2

: the collecting of information about a particular subject

3

: careful or diligent search

research

2 of 2

verb

researched; researching; researches

transitive verb

1

: to search or investigate exhaustively

research a problem

2

: to do research for

research a book

intransitive verb

: to engage in research

researchable

ri-ˈsər-chə-bəl 

ˈrē-ˌsər-

adjective

researcher noun

Synonyms

Noun

• investigation
• inquiry
• study
• exploration
• examination

Verb

• explore
• investigate
• examine

Examples of research in a Sentence

Noun

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.

Verb

He spent the summer researching his dissertation.

Before going out to eat, she researched area restaurants.

The reporter made hundreds of telephone calls while researching the story.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The summary gives you insight into the rigor of my firm’s research and approach to picking stocks. —David Trainer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Mexican immigrants living in the United States are sending less money home to relatives via remittances, according to new research. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

Verb

Before any negotiation, research the average salary range for your role, industry and location. —Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Experts advise focusing on preparation, including refundable airfare and researching booking policies, to minimize potential travel problems. —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing research

• marketing research
• market research
• operations research
• oppo research
• research and development
• research park
• translational research

Rhymes for research

• recherche
• birch
• lurch
• perch
• search
• interchurch

Kids Definition

research

1 of 2 noun

re·​search ri-ˈsərch  ˈrē-ˌsərch 

1

: careful study and investigation for the purpose of discovering and explaining new knowledge

2

: the collecting of information about a subject

research

2 of 2 verb

1

: to search or investigate thoroughly

research her options

2

: to do research for

research a book

researcher noun