delves; delved; delving
1
: to search for information about something
He tried to delve inside his memory for clues about what had happened.
—usually + intoBefore the trip, I delved into the history of the city.
Now is not the time to delve into the past.
He delved deeply/further into his research.
2
chiefly British
: to reach into a bag, container, etc., in order to find something
—usually + in or into
He delved in the drawer for a torch.
She delved into her handbag in search of a pen.
Cite this Entry
“Delve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/delve. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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