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 findings arrive at a time when planetary exploration is advancing rapidly.
From Science Daily • May 12, 2026
“Our exploration of defense, aerospace and strategic M&A opportunities reflects our belief that there is significant unrealized value in GoPro’s technology, IP and brand.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
Richard Jackson, senior vice president and chief operating officer, will take over as CEO of the oil-and-gas exploration company from Hollub upon her retirement on June 1, according to Occidental Petroleum.
From Barron's • May 1, 2026
Last year, for the first time since 1964, the UK did not begin drilling any exploration wells while 29 were started in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
Now contrast those events in China with what happened when fleets of exploration began to sail from politically fragmented Europe.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
