exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
-ˌsplȯ-
: the act or an instance of exploring
explorational adjective

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration the early exploration of the West early explorations of the West
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The public and private sectors must keep funding and extending collaboration in the rapidly changing landscape with research and development and exploration in order to solve the numerous issues that lie ahead and enhance our quality of life and safety. Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 What no one anticipated, not even Lynch, was how this exploration of Sazz and Charles’ relationship would inject fresh poignancy into Hulu‘s crime comedy. Margy Rochlin, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025 In any case, the Super Heavy-Starship rocket is expected to play a major role in future deep space exploration, regardless of the target. William Harwood, CBS News, 27 May 2025 For more beach exploration, three additional Hampton Beaches are within a 15-minute drive: Dog Beach, Buckroe Beach and Park, and Lookout Beach, home to Paradise Ocean Club. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploration

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploration was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploration. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

exploration

noun
ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
: the act or an instance of exploring

More from Merriam-Webster on exploration

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