explore
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to traverse or range over (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery.
to explore the island.
-
to look into closely; scrutinize; examine.
Let us explore the possibilities for improvement.
- Synonyms:
- survey, investigate, research, study, probe
-
Surgery. to investigate into, especially mechanically, as with a probe.
-
Obsolete. to search for; search out.
verb
-
(tr) to examine or investigate, esp systematically
-
to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes
-
(tr) med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes
-
obsolete (tr) to search for or out
Other Word Forms
- explorability noun
- explorable adjective
- explorer noun
- exploringly adverb
- reexplore verb
- unexplorable adjective
- unexplored adjective
Etymology
Origin of explore
First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin explōrāre “to search out, examine,” equivalent to ex- ex- 1 ( def. ) + plōrāre “to cry out,” probably originally with reference to hunting cries
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Alderney States Member Alex Snowdon said he wanted the island's government to explore a relief on the current duty paid on fuel imports.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
The museum opens at 9:30 a.m., but there’s still plenty of time to explore before nap time.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
Researchers now have a rare opportunity to explore Roman religious practices in detail, including temples, offerings, and ritual behavior.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
When certain family members, including John Robinson, began to explore a potential company sale, Allan in May 2024 filed a breach-of-contract suit in a local Ohio court.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
See Simple Rhythm Activities2 for easy ways to encourage children to explore rhythm.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.