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

gave their time to research

cancer/AIDS/drug research

medical/scientific/scholarly research

She conducts research into/on the causes of Alzheimer's disease.

The study is an important piece of research.

—often used before another noun

research data/findings

a research program/project/report/paper

a research lab/library/center

2

: the collecting of information about a particular subject

They did a lot of research before buying a new car.

3

: careful or diligent search

research

2 of 2

verb

researched; researching; researches

transitive verb

1

: to study or investigate carefully

research a problem

researching the connection between stress and disease

Homebuyers should research what an HOA [=homeowner's association] requires before buying or moving into a community.

—Catherine Reagor

Researching the plant's growth habits will allow its mature size to guide you in choosing the right plant for the perfect spot.

—Kristin Guy

2

: to do research for

research a book

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

intransitive verb

: to engage in research

researchable

ri-ˈsər-chə-bəl 

ˈrē-ˌsər-

adjective

researcher noun

Synonyms of research

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

Turning quantum verification into a network problem Sarkar’s solution builds on earlier research showing that quantum states and measurements can be self-tested using a phenomenon known as quantum nonlocality. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

The authors evaluated decades of research on who is at highest risk of drowning and what interventions have been shown to save lives. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Verb

Author and photographer Paul Koudounaris has spent more than a decade researching and photographing pet cemeteries and studying the connections between people and animals. — Felicia Feaster, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Now, the annual conference sessions team is researching and having conversations about what to do with next year’s conference, Day said. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

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

• 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