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.

---

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

---

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

So he used AI to delve deep into the world of emerging treatments including mRNA vaccines, which train the body's immune system and were widely used during the Covid pandemic.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Both camps were reluctant to really delve into the off-field narratives.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Her articles delve into findings from ancient DNA about our ancestors, and the bones and lifestyles of extinct species.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

You can also delve into facts and figures about Russia as well as each host city’s unique culture, history, and geography.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2018

Or Could you delve deeper so I could better understand your meaning?

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

Related Words

• burrow
• inquire