explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplȯr 

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 arise

—R. 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

Synonyms

• delve (into)
• dig (into)
• examine
• inquire (into)
• investigate
• look (into)
• probe
• research

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

Fitted with a suite of lights, cameras, and sensors, the ROV explored the areas where volcanic debris had washed into the ocean. —Ashley Balzer Vigil, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024

Alonso is exploring the free-agent market for the first time in his six-year career. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Additionally, end-of-year planning should incorporate tax strategies, such as making deductible contributions to reduce taxable income or exploring Roth conversions to optimize long-term benefits. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Sure, Dark Horse Comics’ Dawn of the Jedi series already explored such ideas, but the current canon’s past is a blank slate, so expect all-new concepts to be brought to the table. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing explore

• re-explore

Kids Definition

explore

verb

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r 

-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

ex·​plore ik-ˈsplō(ə)r, -ˈsplȯ(ə)r 

explored; exploring

: to examine (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes

the abdomen may need to be explored surgically

—Donald Caslow

exploration

ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən 

noun