research

1 of 2

noun

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 How to pronounce research (audio)
ˈrē-ˌsər-
adjective
researcher noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Crowdsourcing the emergence In recent years, citizen scientists – members of the public collecting data for scientific research – have revolutionized mapping efforts, using apps and the internet. Chris Simon, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 Per his wishes, his body was anonymously donated to UCLA Medical Center for scientific research. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
As a media psychologist who focuses on morality and has researched more than 730 Disney movies, Hahn found that the Disney hero prototype is often willing to break the rules if that’s what’s necessary to help others. Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 Dazza Greenwood, an attorney who has been researching the legal risks of agents, encourages caution. Paresh Dave, Wired News, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for research

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of research was in 1577

Cite this Entry

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

research

1 of 2 noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on research

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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