inquisitive
adjective
in·quis·i·tive
in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 
1
: given to examination or investigation
2
: inclined to ask questions
especially
: inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others
inquisitively
adverb
inquisitiveness
noun
Examples of inquisitive in a Sentence
… but now, with the wanderings of the fleets and their inquisitive occupants producing words from all over, the English vocabulary was enhanced not merely by the usual suspects but by words from India and Turkey, Arabia and Malaya, Japan and the native peoples of North America …
—
Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.
—David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail.
—Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.
—David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail.
—Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Recent Examples on the Web
Filmed in Haiti‘s northern Cap-Haïtien region, the movie follows Ruben, a young man (Stevenson Jean) who embarks on a journey to reconnect with his estranged father, accompanied by an inquisitive street kid (Blangue Machiny).
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 June 2026
In this show, the inquisitive little monkey from the children’s books and award-winning PBS TV show will be the star in a new adventure musical that should delight those of all ages.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
And other people are very inquisitive, a little nervous at first, but probably wondering if this is a scam.
—Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Izabella, who also goes by Izzy, is a wonderful girl with an inquisitive, outgoing, and confident personality.
—CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inquisitive
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Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 June 2026
In this show, the inquisitive little monkey from the children’s books and award-winning PBS TV show will be the star in a new adventure musical that should delight those of all ages.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
And other people are very inquisitive, a little nervous at first, but probably wondering if this is a scam.
—Sonal Dutt, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Izabella, who also goes by Izzy, is a wonderful girl with an inquisitive, outgoing, and confident personality.
—CBS News, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inquisitive
Cite this Entry
“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquisitive. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inquisitive
adjective
in·quis·i·tive
in-ˈkwiz-ət-iv
1
: tending to inquire or investigate
2
: asking many questions
especially
: too curious about other people's affairs
inquisitively
adverb
inquisitiveness
noun
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