survey

noun

sur·​vey ˈsər-ˌvā  sər-ˈvā 

plural surveys

1

: the act or an instance of surveying: such as

a

: a broad treatment of a subject

b

: poll sense 2a

2

: something that is surveyed

Synonyms of survey

• inspection
• examination
• audit
• scrutiny
• scan

Examples of survey in a Sentence

The survey found some surprising tendencies among the population.

We conducted an opinion survey on the issue and found that most people agree.

a survey on American drinking habits

Surveys of each department were conducted earlier this year.

A survey of recent corporate layoffs reveals a new trend in business management.

A new land survey changed the borders of their property.

Recent Examples on the Web

Throughout the training period, researchers monitored weekly survey responses alongside wearable-device metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality and recovery readiness. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

But many of the dogs in the survey were on monthly heartworm medication, which also clears intestinal worms—so those dogs had nothing to flush out. —Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026

Researchers tracked weekly survey responses alongside wearable-device metrics, including heart rate variability, sleep quality and recovery readiness. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

Data centers remain deeply unpopular among the public, with a new survey suggesting that at least seven in ten Americans would now oppose one being built near their home. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing survey

• geodetic survey
• survey course

Rhymes for survey

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

survey

1 of 2 verb

sur·​vey sər-ˈvā 

ˈsər-ˌvā

surveyed; surveying

1

: to look over and examine closely

2

: to find out the size, shape, and position of (as an area of land)

3

: to gather information from or about

4

: to make a survey

survey

2 of 2 noun

sur·​vey ˈsər-ˌvā 

sər-ˈvā

plural surveys

: the act or an instance of surveying or of applying the principles and methods of surveying

also : something that is surveyed