inquiring

American

[in-kwahyuhr-ing] / ɪnˈkwaɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

seeking facts, information, or knowledge.

an inquiring mind.
curious; probing; inquisitive in seeking facts.

an inquiring reporter.
scrutinizing; questioning.

He looked at his father with inquiring eyes.

inquiring British

/ ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ /

adjective

seeking or tending to seek answers, information, etc

an inquiring mind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of inquiring

First recorded in 1595–1605; inquire + -ing ²

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.

Would detectives be limited to inquiring about specific customers?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Rirdeshare Drivers United said drivers are often terminated for vague reasons and are met with endless automated chatbots when inquiring about their terminations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Soon after, brands reached out for the first time inquiring about possibly paying her for promotional partnerships.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants, is shown in the release of Epstein-related documents inquiring about a woman he met at Epstein's house.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Eril-Fane had heard him and was looking back, inquiring.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023