exploration

American  

[ek-spluh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɛk spləˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of exploring or investigating; examination.

2. the investigation of unknown regions.

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exploration British  

/ ˌɛkspləˈreɪʃən, ɪkˈsplɒrətərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. the act or process of exploring

2. med examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes

3. an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp for scientific purposes; expedition

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Other Word Forms

• exploratory adjective
• reexploration noun

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”; explore ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

For scientists and space exploration advocates, the hope is that support will come together in time to make a return to this intriguing world possible, whether Starship plays a role or not.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Musk’s net worth—at $644 billion by Bloomberg’s calculations—is set to skyrocket further, potentially reaching at least $1 trillion with the initial public offering of SpaceX, the trillion dollar space exploration company he founded and leads.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

This bonus episode of Amicus, with full access exclusive for Slate Plus members, is a comprehensive exploration of Wednesday’s arguments in the Trump v.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

But that hasn’t dulled my curiosity in space exploration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The exploration of the Cosmos is a voyage of self-discovery.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• analysis
• examination
• expedition
• inspection
• research
• search
• study
• travel