study

noun

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\ ˈstə-dē

plural studies

Definition of study

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a state of contemplation : reverie

2a : application of the mental faculties to the acquisition of knowledge years of study

b : such application in a particular field or to a specific subject the study of Latin

c : careful or extended consideration the proposal is under study

d(1) : a careful examination or analysis of a phenomenon, development, or question

(2) : the published report of such a study

3 : a building or room devoted to study or literary pursuits

4 : purpose, intent it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses— Jane Austen

5a : a branch or department of learning : subject —often used in plural American studies

b : the activity or work of a student returning to her studies after vacation

c : an object of study or deliberation every gesture a careful study— Marcia Davenport

d : something attracting close attention or examination

6 : a person who learns or memorizes something (such as a part in a play) —usually used with a qualifying adjective he's a quick study

7 : a literary or artistic production intended as a preliminary outline, an experimental interpretation, or an exploratory analysis of specific features or characteristics

8 : a musical composition for the practice of a point of technique

study

verb

studied; studying

Definition of study (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to engage in study

b : to undertake formal study of a subject

2 dialect : meditate, reflect

3 : endeavor, try

transitive verb

1 : to read in detail especially with the intention of learning

2 : to engage in the study of study biology

3 : plot, design

4 : to consider attentively or in detail studying his face for a reaction

Other Words from study Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about study

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Choose the Right Synonym for study

Verb

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision. consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision. refused even to consider my proposal study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae. study the plan closely contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision. contemplate the consequences of refusing weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence. weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of study in a Sentence

Noun Becoming a doctor requires years of study. You can improve your knowledge of the natural world by study and observation. She will return to her studies after vacation. He left the service to pursue his studies. The agency conducted an environmental study. He took part in a study of childhood obesity. The study of the new drug will be published next year. Verb Did you study for the test? She's studying to be a teacher. I studied the request carefully. She was studying his face for a reaction. The proposal was studied in great detail. The effects of the drug have never been thoroughly studied.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The new study was published this month in the Journal of Geophysical Research. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, "Scientists Detect X-Rays Radiating From Uranus," 12 Apr. 2021 But, don't worry: A new study says none of the side effects are dangerous. — Steve Kiggins, USA TODAY, "Duke joins other colleges in requiring student vaccinations; Alabama, Utah lift mask mandates. Latest COVID-19 updates," 10 Apr. 2021 The relentless coronavirus pandemic has caused high levels of anxiety and burnout in health care workers across the country, according to a new UCSF study that is among the first to look closely at mental health in the nation’s emergency rooms. — Taylor Kate Brown, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bay Briefing: Windsor mayor under investigation by Sonoma County sheriff," 9 Apr. 2021 In a new study, scientists injected fluorescent tracers into the eyes of 11 fish species to illuminate their visual systems. — Meagan Cantwell, Science | AAAS, "Ancient fish share a key feature of human vision," 9 Apr. 2021 In spite of the pandemic, however, many Black beauty entrepreneurs are feeling optimistic about the future of their businesses, according to a new economic data study from global think tank Ready to Beauty. — Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, "People Are Offering Black Business Owners "Mentorship" But, Sorry, We Need Coins," 7 Apr. 2021 Findings from a new study recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of extra light activity per day and five minutes of movement each hour throughout the day to mitigate Covid-19 restrictions and inactivity. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes, "6 Alternatives To Reset Your Mind, Body And Career After Pandemic Inactivity," 6 Apr. 2021 But a new study offers some reassuring data for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding—and suggests that vaccination has benefits that extend to their baby as well. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe for Pregnant and Breastfeeding People, According to New Study," 5 Apr. 2021 While previous research had studied the microbial composition of sourdough starters in small regional samples, the new study is the first to look at such a large sample worldwide. — ABC News, "Fantastic yeasts and where to find them: The science behind sourdough starters," 4 Apr. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb LAST YEAR Ann, a Chinese student who likes to use an English name, decided to plough ahead with her plan to study at Sheffield University, despite uncertainty about the spread of covid-19. — The Economist, "Foreign students remain remarkably keen on Britain’s universities," 10 Apr. 2021 His goal was to explore the deepest underwater points in the world, map previously uncharted territory and allow scientists to study new forms of marine life at extreme depths. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, "Meet the Ocean Activists Using Their Own Money to Study the Seas and Combat Climate Change," 10 Apr. 2021 Telling an aspiring writer to privilege crisp dialogue and an interior sense of character is like insisting toddlers study cuneiform before learning their ABCs. — Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, "Ken Burns’ new Hemingway documentary doesn’t give you a reason to read Hemingway," 5 Apr. 2021 After attending schools in Cairo and Beirut, Dr. Said came to Washington in 1950 to study at AU. — Washington Post, "Abdul Aziz Said, American University professor of international relations, dies at 90," 3 Apr. 2021 After attending schools in Cairo and Beirut, Dr. Said came to Washington in 1950 to study at AU. — BostonGlobe.com, "Abdul Aziz Said, American University professor of international relations, dies at 90," 3 Apr. 2021 Zemzem Hussen, a senior who plans to study nutrition at Oregon State University, will represent Roosevelt High School on the 2021 Portland Rose Festival Court. — oregonlive, "Meet Roosevelt High’s 2021 Portland Rose Festival princess, Zemzem Hussen," 2 Apr. 2021 The shift to remote learning brought a new category of cheating into focus: study sites. — Ryan Craig, Forbes, "If You Can't Stand The Cheat, Get Out Of The Kitchen," 19 Mar. 2021 Born November 27, 1936, in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, Lunney grew up fascinated with flight and decided to study aeronautics at the University of Detroit. — William Harwood, CBS News, "Glynn Lunney, NASA flight director who played key role in Apollo 13, has died at age 84," 19 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'study.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.