inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

1

a

: the act of inspecting

b

: recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem

solve an equation by inspection

2

: a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Synonyms

• audit
• check
• checkup
• examination
• going-over
• look-see
• review
• scan
• scrutiny
• survey
• view

Examples of inspection in a Sentence

Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects.

Regular inspections are required of all restaurants in the area.

The barracks are ready for inspection.

Recent Examples on the Web

Flight crews are supposed to do visible inspections of the wheel wells before every flight, but the two victims could have hidden deep inside the wheel well, out of view, officials said. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025

Last year, Keefer told IBJ the inspection issues stemmed from a water heater failure that required emergency plumbing, and waiting for new electronic sensors for kitchen sinks to arrive. —Justin L. MacK, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

They were discovered during a routine post-flight maintenance inspection, JetBlue said. —Jeff Martin and Freida Frisaro, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Popular on Variety At first, Jim keeps the case in the headlines by staging provocative stunts like carrying a fake bomb through airport security, calling attention to lax inspection protocols. —Alison Herman, Variety, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing inspection

• inspection arms
• on closer inspection
• tour of inspection

Kids Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən 

: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2

inspect

in-ˈspekt 

verb

Legal Definition

inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion

: a careful and critical examination: as

a

: a buyer's examination of goods prior to payment or acceptance especially in accordance with section 2-513 of the Uniform Commercial Code

b

: an examination of articles of commerce to determine their fitness for transportation or sale

c

: an investigation of an applicant for insurance

d

: an examination or survey of a community, of premises, of a facility, or of a vehicle by an authorized person (as to determine compliance with regulations or susceptibility to fire or other hazards)

specifically : administrative search at search

e

: examination of documents, things, or property for purposes of making discovery for trial