explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr 

explored; exploring

transitive verb

1

a

: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into

explore the relationship between social class and learning ability

—sometimes used with indirect questions

to explore where ethical issues arise

—R. T. Blackburn

b

: to become familiar with by testing or experimenting

explore new cuisines

2

: to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery

3

: to examine especially for diagnostic purposes

explore the wound

intransitive verb

: to make or conduct a systematic search

explore for oil

Synonyms

• delve (into)
• dig (into)
• examine
• inquire (into)
• investigate
• look (into)
• probe
• research

Examples of explore in a Sentence

Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.

The book explores a number of controversial issues.

You need to explore your feelings on this subject more carefully.

an opportunity to explore different activities

The children were encouraged to explore mathematics.

I decided to go out and explore the town.

They were sent to explore unknown regions of Africa.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their stories unravel a new narrative that interrogates the motives of the man pulling the strings, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, while exploring larger questions of human nature and the power of perspective. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024

As seas rise, others are exploring how to harness marine energy. —Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

Here are five things to do for the weekend of April 19-21: Ford House Community Appreciation Day Enjoy the beauty of this National Historic Landmark where visitors can explore the grounds of Ford House and immerse themselves in its rich history. —Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 18 Apr. 2024

Transcript Alan Murray: Leadership Next is powered by the folks at Deloitte who, like me, are exploring the changing rules of business leadership and how CEOs are navigating this change. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024

Department of Data We here at the Department of Data are dedicated to exploring the weird and wondrous power of the data that defines our world. —Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

Advertisement This article is part of The Times’ equity reporting initiative, funded by the James Irvine Foundation, exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address California’s economic divide. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024

In an illuminating conversation with Billboard, Ryan Trey sounds off on the utility of deluxe editions, the rise of fans leaking artists’ unfinished music, exploring his faith and how Justin Bieber’s Journals album is influencing his new music. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024

In the decades following World War II, Japanese filmmakers built their own body of work exploring the attacks and their aftermath. —Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing explore

• re-explore

Kids Definition

explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r 

-ˈsplȯ(ə)r

explored; exploring

1

a

: to search through : look into

exploring new ideas

b

: to go into or travel over for purposes of discovery or adventure

explore a cave

explore the moon

c

: to examine carefully and in detail especially in order to make a diagnosis

explore a wound

2

: to make a careful search

explore for oil

Medical Definition

explore

transitive verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r 

explored; exploring

: to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes

the abdomen may need to be explored surgically

—Donald Caslow

exploration

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

noun