exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
-ˌsplȯ-
: the act or an instance of exploring
explorational adjective

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration the early exploration of the West early explorations of the West
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reusable Water Bottle A long day of exploration can easily work up a thirst. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025 Barrymore complimented the nuanced nature of the show's exploration of the troubled teen industry. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 The bank cited Coinbase’s exploration of a token launch linked to its decentralized finance platform, Base, and an initiative to attract more customers to the exchange’s subscription service, Coinbase One, as potential catalysts for the stock’s growth. Yun Li, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025 By focusing on the everyday realities of modern life—from the unpredictability of urban traffic to the desire for spontaneous exploration—Ausom contributes to a more thoughtful vision of mobility. Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploration

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploration was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploration. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exploration

noun
ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
: the act or an instance of exploring

More from Merriam-Webster on exploration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!