inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē 
ˈin-ˌkwī(-ə)r-ē;
ˈin-kwə-rē
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwir-ē
plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
2
: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
3
: examination into facts or principles : research
Examples of inquiry in a Sentence
Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since.
—
Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink.
—Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions …
—Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.
The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.
Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink.
—Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions …
—Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.
The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.
Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Recent Examples on the Web
We’re taught to prioritize action over inquiry, compliance over curiosity.
—Hunter McMahon, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Newsweek reached out to Marriott International and the woman's attorney for comment via email outside of regular office hours on Tuesday, as well as to Clearview Building Services, LLC, via an online inquiry form.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Aritzia’s comment reflects part of the battle between the carrier and the union, with an industrial inquiry commission recommending as part of the negotiations that Canada Post could close more rural post offices and expand community mailboxes in their place.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025
Police said the three arrested in the past week remain on bail pending further inquiries.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Hunter McMahon, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Newsweek reached out to Marriott International and the woman's attorney for comment via email outside of regular office hours on Tuesday, as well as to Clearview Building Services, LLC, via an online inquiry form.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Aritzia’s comment reflects part of the battle between the carrier and the union, with an industrial inquiry commission recommending as part of the negotiations that Canada Post could close more rural post offices and expand community mailboxes in their place.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 June 2025
Police said the three arrested in the past week remain on bail pending further inquiries.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
Cite this Entry
“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē
ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r-
ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r-
ˈin-kwə-rē,
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwi(ə)r-ē
plural inquiries
1
a
: the act of inquiring
learn by inquiry
b
: a request for information
make inquiries at the station
2
: a search for truth or knowledge
3
: a careful examination : investigation
Legal Definition
inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
ˈin-ˌkwīr-ē, in-ˈkwīr-ē; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ-
plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to make an inquiry
2
: a systematic official investigation often of a matter of public interest especially by a body (as a legislative committee) with power to compel testimony
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