surveying

noun

sur·​vey·​ing sər-ˈvā-iŋ 

ˈsər-ˌvā-

: a branch of applied mathematics that is concerned with determining the area of any portion of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the bounding lines, and the contour of the surface and with accurately delineating the whole on paper

Examples of surveying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These ten extraordinary projects collectively represent hundreds of billions of dollars in investment and decades of construction effort, employing cutting-edge tunnel boring technology, advanced geological surveying, and massive workforces. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025

Our dad got us a job holding the pole, the guy sights on through the thing, surveying. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

Johns told Fortune that Gravis’ technology aims to address such concerns by reducing risky tasks, like surveying or marking out work areas, while keeping humans in control. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2025

The surveying is over and 201 employers have been named Michigan Top Workplaces for 2025. —Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for surveying

• allaying
• arraying
• assaying
• betraying
• bricklaying
• buffeting
• conveying
• crocheting
• decaying
• defraying
• delaying
• dismaying

Kids Definition

surveying

noun

sur·​vey·​ing

sər-ˈvā-iŋ

: a branch of mathematics concerned with finding the area of any part of the earth's surface, the lengths and directions of the boundary lines, and the shape of the surface and with accurately showing the results on paper