explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr How to pronounce explore (audio)
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 ariseR. 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

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
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.
During last year’s Winter Meetings, Brown emphatically denied that the team would explore trades for impending free agent Alex Bregman, making Monday’s acknowledgment a departure from Houston’s standard operating procedure. Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024 The mountain offers 105 trails and a charming mountain village to explore. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024 Since last year, a series of reviews, editorials, and perspective papers, mostly published in obesity journals, have explored this very question. Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024 The movie’s sharp humor and layered storytelling explore themes of faith and ambition in a way that feels both fresh and provocative. Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explore 

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of explore was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near explore

Cite this Entry

“Explore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explore. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

explore

verb
ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r How to pronounce explore (audio)
-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
explored; exploring
: to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes
the abdomen may need to be explored surgicallyDonald Caslow
exploration noun

More from Merriam-Webster on explore

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!