research

noun re·search \ ri-ˈsərch , ˈrē-ˌ \

Definition of research

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

See research defined for English-language learners

See research defined for kids

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

Seniors with a sense of purpose may be more physically active and take better care of their health, some research suggests.

— judith graham, Kaiser Health News, "Soul Purpose: Seniors With Strong Reasons To Live Often Live Stronger," 31 Aug. 2017
Many dealerships are turning their sales force into experts on automobiles and online research tools, offering more service and less sales pressure.

— bill collins ford, The Courier-Journal, "A New Generation’s Automotive Experience," 30 Aug. 2017
New Flyer of Anniston could become the home of a battery technology research facility.

— william thornton, AL.com, "Anniston attempting to lure battery technology research facility," 30 Aug. 2017
The Nature study dovetails with research by the San Diego group, Summit for Stem Cell, (www.summitforstemcell.org), including scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and doctors at Scripps Health.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Brain cell replacement for Parkinson's boosted by monkey study," 30 Aug. 2017
The research also looked at exactly what kind of clitoral stimulation women like, finding the majority — 75% — prefer a rhythmic motion with light to medium pressure, Greatist reports.

— brittney mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Clitoral Stimulation Is Important, New Research Shows," 30 Aug. 2017
Through her research grant, Benjamin will travel to Dallas, Austin, Birmingham and Raleigh to collect data.

— Daily Southtown, "Community news," 30 Aug. 2017
Working with Lake Flato, the sustainable architecture firm behind her Austin properties, Lambert and her team at Bunkhouse Hospitality did a deep dive into the regional culture and design, making bimonthly research trips for four years.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Hotel San Cristóbal," 25 Aug. 2017
The research indicated that purchasing trips, tickets for activities and events, and or other experiences leas to greater happiness than buying a tangible possession.

— jessica mattern, Country Living, "Why Spending Your Money on Experiences—Not Things—Will Make You Happier," 24 Aug. 2017

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

See Words from the same year

research Synonyms

Synonyms

delving, disquisition, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, inquiry, study

research

verb

Definition of research

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

play \ri-ˈsər-chə-bəl, ˈrē-ˌ\ adjective

—

researcher

noun

See research defined for English-language learners

Examples of research in a Sentence

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 of research from the Web

Much of the research surrounding pregnancy and medication is controversial and lacking because pregnant women do not want to be researched on — there’s too much at stake.

— The Cut, "The Mom Who Had to Decide Whether to Take Medication During Her Pregnancy," 17 Aug. 2017
Two years ago, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board unanimously approved a resolution to research the removal of the Confederate monument.

— mike cason, AL.com, "Stacy George files ethics complaint against Mayor Bell over monument cover," 16 Aug. 2017
Kid Rock,’ the Michigan Bureau of Elections staff would have to research the question of whether that name would be allowed.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Trump acts like the president of the Red States of America," 15 Aug. 2017
Sam suggests the maesters tell the people of Westeros that the threat is real, suggest men fight up at the Wall, and tell maesters across Westeros to research the Long Night.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 5: 18 Things to Know About "Eastwatch"," 14 Aug. 2017
Airbnb has funded a watchdog blog, the Checks and Balances Project, to research the hotel industry’s lobbying tactics against the home sharing industry.

— chabeli herrera, miamiherald, "Hotel industry was set to fund a controversial Airbnb study. But FIU pulled the plug," 10 Aug. 2017
To get your own semi-permanent brow look, book an appointment with Piret here or research a brow tattoo specialist near you.

— carly cardellino, Cosmopolitan, "I Got My Eyebrows Microbladed and Here's What Happened," 21 July 2017
Now, the average is less than two visits, largely due to the fact that their research shows over 90 percent of car purchasers used the Internet to research their purchase in advance, most using a mobile device.

— for bill collins ford, The Courier-Journal, "Online car buying," 20 July 2017
Indeed, there is a growing separation between faculty who teach and faculty who research at too many colleges, especially large research universities that enroll the largest number of undergraduate students.

— jeffrey j. selingo, Washington Post, "Undergraduate education is broken. Solutions start with faculty and rigor.," 26 June 2017

First Known Use of research

1588

research Synonyms

Synonyms

delve (into), dig (into), examine, inquire (into), investigate, look (into), probe, explore

Related Words

inspect, sift, study, view; browse, cruise, peruse, scan, skim (through), surf, thumb (through); coinvestigate, reinvestigate

RESEARCH Defined for English Language Learners

research

noun

Definition of research for English Language Learners

: careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something
: the activity of getting information about a subject

research

verb

Definition of research for English Language Learners

: to study (something) carefully
: to collect information about or for (something)

RESEARCH Defined for Kids

research

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

Definition of research for Students

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

—

researcher

noun

research

verb

Definition of research for Students

researched; researching

:to search or investigate thoroughly

Doctors researched the disease.

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See words that rhyme with research Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for research Spanish Central: Translation of research Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of research for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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