explored; exploring
1
a
: to investigate, study, or analyze : look into
Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.
explore the relationship between social class and learning ability
—sometimes used with indirect questions… to explore where ethical issues arise …—
R. T. Blackburn
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
: to make or conduct a systematic search
explore for oil
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
Click here to explore more of our subscriber-exclusive newsletters.
—The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Featuring powerhouse voices from Netflix’s upcoming 2026 slate, the conversation will explore the craft, culture, and community shaping a new era of Black television from writers’ rooms and directors’ chairs to unforgettable on screen performances.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Alum Rock Avenue is a delight to explore, with Latino markets and businesses, the historic Calvary Catholic Cemetery and James Lick High School along the route.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite some gestures at Austin exploring his half-Korean heritage through a flirtation with Park’s assistant Eunice (Seoyeon Jang), the subplot is never smoothly incorporated.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
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The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Featuring powerhouse voices from Netflix’s upcoming 2026 slate, the conversation will explore the craft, culture, and community shaping a new era of Black television from writers’ rooms and directors’ chairs to unforgettable on screen performances.
—Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
Alum Rock Avenue is a delight to explore, with Latino markets and businesses, the historic Calvary Catholic Cemetery and James Lick High School along the route.
—Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite some gestures at Austin exploring his half-Korean heritage through a flirtation with Park’s assistant Eunice (Seoyeon Jang), the subplot is never smoothly incorporated.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for explore
Cite this Entry
“Explore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explore. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Donald CaslowLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
