research

noun

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re·search | \ ri-ˈsərch

, ˈrē-ˌsərch

Definition of research

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

research

verb

researched; researching; researches

Definition of research (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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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 What followed was an explosion of research into the causes and consequences of a surge in inequality across the rich world. — The Economist, "Economists are rethinking the numbers on inequality," 28 Nov. 2019 In 2012, his two papers on the subject triggered a flurry of research. — Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, "Back to the future: The original time crystal makes a comeback," 27 Nov. 2019 Whole subfields of research have grown up around biologists’ attempts to understand the relationships among the core genes involved in aging, which seem to connect highly disparate biological functions, like metabolism and perception. — Quanta Magazine, "Longevity Linked to Proteins That Calm Overexcited Neurons," 26 Nov. 2019 Another option is to use a self-massager or jade roller over the area, though there's a lack of research on this, as well. — Jessica Migala, Health.com, "How to Get Rid of a Hickey—or At Least Cover It Up," 26 Nov. 2019 Rather than wander into the names and stereotypical profiles of each generation — information that is plentiful on the internet — consider this: the lack of research on the subject is astounding. — Sue Mcmillin, The Denver Post, "McMillin: This boomer wishes every generation a happy Thanksgiving," 24 Nov. 2019 However, there is a body of research on blue light's negative impacts on the body, particularly with respect to the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body's sleeping and waking cycles. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, "These Blue Light Blocking Glasses Are the Solution to Screen Time," 22 Nov. 2019 The book is a project of the Trust and reflects more than 30 years of research. — Carole Goldberg, courant.com, "Write Stuff: ‘Saving Washington’, ‘Black Girl Book Club’ and a Ballpark Mystery," 21 Nov. 2019 The new formula is based on changes to DNA over time and took a lot of scientific research to create. — Fox News, "Your dog’s real age in ‘dog years’ revealed (and it’s not their age multiplied by seven)," 19 Nov. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Weather forecasters will have to figure out how to mitigate the impacts on satellite observations—perhaps by working with the wireless industry to research ways to shut off or redirect 5G transmissions when a satellite is making its measurements. — Alexandra Witze, Scientific American, "New 5G Wireless Deal Threatens Accurate Weather Forecasts," 22 Nov. 2019 That’s how much time Coloradans have to research and vote on the many local and two state issues on the 2019 ballot. — Cindi Andrews, The Denver Post, "Election 2019 is upon us, U.S. House does things, and a debate with no names," 31 Oct. 2019 In fact, empirical evidence about the health effects of student loan debt remains limited to research that establish associations, not causality, and non-academic surveys. — Lila Maclellan, Quartz at Work, "It’s time to talk about the mental health effects of student loan debt," 28 Oct. 2019 Her bead and gemstone work is meticulous, and her references to multiple cultures spot-on and well-researched. — Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Know, "Renluka Maharaj’s latest show digs deep into family, home and glitter," 26 Oct. 2019 Thousands of Argentine scientists are hoping the man expected to be the country’s next president will reverse deep cuts to research imposed by the conservative government of President Mauricio Macri. — Lindzi Wessel, Science | AAAS, "Argentine scientists rally behind favorite in Sunday’s presidential election," 25 Oct. 2019 To research her book, Neiman read a variety of German writings from the postwar period: philosophy books, prisoner-of-war memoirs, best-selling novels. — Lizzie Widdicombe, The New Yorker, "What Can We Learn from the Germans About Confronting Our History?," 21 Oct. 2019 In Los Angeles, the two of us worked together to pass a resolution to research the feasibility of a 2020 ballot measure allowing persons 16 years of age or older to vote in the Los Angeles Unified School District board elections. — Teen Vogue, "California Is Taking Steps to Lower The Voting Age — Here's Why," 28 Aug. 2019 Rule #1 of my Watchdog Nation, a citizens' consumer movement showing you how to protect yourself, is to research before signing any contract. — Dallas News, "Answers to your questions about used car dealers, property taxes, robocalls and other annoyances," 15 Aug. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near research

research and development

researchful

researchist

Statistics for research

Last Updated

2 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Research.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 11 December 2019.

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More Definitions for research

research

noun