inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce inspection (audio)
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

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 That’s why Bowman’s No. 48 Chevy failed inspection and got disqualified. Greg Engle, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 Supervisors oversee a mishmash of regional responsibilities ranging from land use issues and regional public health to animal shelters and restaurant inspections. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 19 Oct. 2024 Clement Pascal Photo: Clement Pascal As in any Roman and Williams project, rooms reward close inspection. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024 Agency officials said the delay in releasing the records is because some inspection reports had to be pulled from state archives and scanned to create an electronic version. Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inspection 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inspection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspection was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inspection

Cite this Entry

“Inspection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspection. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inspection

noun
in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce inspection (audio)
: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun
in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce inspection (audio)
: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2
inspect 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

More from Merriam-Webster on inspection

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