- present participle of survey.
noun
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the study or practice of measuring altitudes, angles, and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map
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the setting out on the ground of the positions of proposed construction or engineering works
Etymology
Origin of surveying
1425–75; late Middle English: act of examining closely; see survey, -ing 1
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.
In recent months, Chinese research ships have been particularly active to the east of Taiwan, surveying waters that the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
Observations collected by OSIRIS-REx while surveying Bennu offered an early clue.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 20, 2026
“We lost our beaches and our trails within two weeks,” resident Rebecca Schwarz lamented as she stood with her partner, Todd, and their border collie, Bodie, surveying the Norte fire’s damage.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026
The Bog Grass Moth was found at Cors Geirch National Nature Reserve on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, as conservationists were surveying the area's species.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
I notice Nico surveying the padded bench by the shoe rack and the tiny framed mirrors in the entryway.
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
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