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

For the next 25 months, the SPHEREx observatory will orbit Earth more than 11,000 times while surveying and imaging the surrounding sky. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

But, just as critics have accused algorithmic recommendations of sorting viewers into silos of similar entertainment, Jump’s relentless surveying could be said to promote a certain sameness across its content. —Matt Alt, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

Solar farms, for example, take meticulous planning and surveying, involve long hours and require significant labor. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2025

In addition to the surveying, the BLS also incorporates methodology to try to capture employment activity at new businesses and those that have closed. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 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