exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplȯr-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory surgery

exploratory drilling for oil

Examples of exploratory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For now, the standalone Reels app remains in the exploratory phase, and Meta has not confirmed any plans to move forward. —Anisha Sircar, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Integrating advanced communication systems on the moon is poised to enhance our understanding of lunar conditions and support future exploratory missions. —IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2025

Blurring the line between traditional and exploratory are Saul Williams (Blue Note; May 27-28) and the trio of the pianist Vijay Iyer, the saxophonist Henry Threadgill, and the drummer Dafnis Prieto (Jazz Gallery; May 30-31). —Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025

Keeping an exploratory attitude and being open to learning new things will help QA firms stay competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape. —Margarita Simonova, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exploratory

• exploratory surgery

Rhymes for exploratory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​a·​to·​ry

ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē,

-ˌtȯr-

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory drilling for oil

an exploratory trip

exploratory surgery

Medical Definition

exploratory

adjective

ex·​plor·​ato·​ry ik-ˈsplōr-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈsplȯr-, -ˌtȯr- 

: of, relating to, or being exploration

exploratory surgery