examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined

2

: an exercise designed to examine progress or test qualification or knowledge

3

: a formal interrogation

examinational

ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of examination

• exam
• test

Examples of examination in a Sentence

On closer examination, the painting appears to be a fake.

The victim's clothes were sent to the lab for examination.

The police made a rigorous examination of the evidence at the crime scene.

The court ordered that the defendant undergo a psychiatric examination.

I have to study for the history examination.

procedures that are not allowed during examination of witnesses

Recent Examples on the Web

What follows is an unpredictable, eye-opening and hilarious examination of non-monogamy, with some wild fight sequences and a raw, revealing performance from Dakota Johnson in a supporting role. —Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

The examination found that while public officials imposed restrictions intended to prevent covid’s spread, politicians and regulators helped fuel gun sales — and another public health crisis. —Fred Clasen-Kelly, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025

After years of intermittent examinations, Wang’s team had the opportunity in 2023 to harness the Hubble Space Telescope’s powerful lenses at the mystery. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Dec. 2025

Another provision in the bill would require states to investigate significant complaints against facilities within two days and, if they are substantiated, conduct larger examinations of the facilities and any others in a state that share ownership within 30 days. —Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing examination

• cross-examination
• direct examination
• entrance examination
• examination table
• physical examination
• postmortem examination
• redirect examination
• re-examination
• self-examination
• under examination

Rhymes for examination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of examining : the state of being examined

2

: a test to determine progress, fitness, or knowledge

Medical Definition

examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion ig-ˌzam-ə-ˈnā-shən 

: the act or process of inspecting or testing for evidence of disease or abnormality see physical examination

Legal Definition

examination

noun

ex·​am·​i·​na·​tion

: the act or process of examining

especially : a formal questioning especially in a court proceeding see also cross-examination, direct examination, recross-examination, redirect examination compare affidavit, deposition