exploration
Americannoun
-
an act or instance of exploring or investigating; examination.
-
the investigation of unknown regions.
noun
-
the act or process of exploring
-
med examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes
-
an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp for scientific purposes; expedition
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exploration
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin explōrātiōn-, stem of explōrātiō “examination,” from explōrāt(us) “searched out, examined” (past participle of explōrāre “to search out, examine”; see explore) + -iō -ion
Explanation
An exploration is a trip, but it's more than just a vacation — it's going somewhere to examine and discover new things. Exploration is what you do when you want to learn more about what's out there in the big wide world. Guys like Christopher Columbus were experts in exploration. Some astronauts devote their lives to the exploration of space, looking for new planets. But you don't have to go any farther than your local library to do your own exploration — when you study or research something, you could say you're doing an exploration of it.
Vocabulary lists containing exploration
Western Europe - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Western Europe - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Renaissance and Early Modern European History - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The new research comes from the National Science Foundation Center for Oldest Ice Exploration, known as COLDEX, a collaborative effort led by Oregon State University.
From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026
Find insight on Infratil, PTT Exploration and Production and more in the latest Market Talks covering energy and utilities.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
Exploration firm Ocean Infinity, based in Britain and the United States, led the search which concluded on January 23.
From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026
The laboratory also oversees daily operations of the Perseverance rover for NASA's Science Mission Directorate as part of the agency's Mars Exploration Program portfolio.
From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2026
Mop’s parents eventually pick him up, and they drive off to Withlacoochee River Wildlife Exploration Summer Camp, somewhere in central Florida.
From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
