delve

American  

[delv] / dɛlv /

verb (used without object)

delved, delving

1. to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate.

   to delve into the issue of prison reform.

   Synonyms:

   explore, examine, probe, inquire, research

2. Archaic. to dig, as with a spade.

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verb (used with object)

delved, delving

1. Archaic. to dig; excavate.

delve British  

/ dɛlv /

verb

1. to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc)

   he delved in the Bible for quotations

2. to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc)

3. (esp of an animal) to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc)

4. archaic (also tr) to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc), as with a spade

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Other Word Forms

• delver noun
• undelved adjective

Etymology

Origin of delve

First recorded before 900; Middle English delven, Old English delfan; cognate with Dutch delven, Old High German telban

Example Sentences

Despite his broad remit, colleagues say he delves deep into details.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other topics we delve into include the anxiety of white-collar workers, why we love those Christmas songs and great places to see in 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal

“For Good” really gets to delve into that stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

And he was talking a lot about where he pulled from, the conversations he had with Guillermo about what they wanted to delve into.

From Los Angeles Times

Before delving deeper into this issue, a few words about the existing ACA premium subsidies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• burrow
• inquire