exploratory
Americanadjective
-
pertaining to or concerned with exploration.
an exploratory operation.
-
inclined to make explorations.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exploratory
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word explōrātōrius. See exploration, -ory 1
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 Philippines has conducted exploratory talks about nuclear energy with numerous countries including Japan, France, Russia and the United States.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
The company is looking to start exploratory drilling for geothermal later this year in the Western U.S., the source said, including potential sites in California, Idaho, Nevada and other states.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
In the late ’50s his musically exploratory efforts continued via “Tenor Madness,” a recording in which he is paired with Coltrane, showcasing the two principal tenor saxophone stylists of the era.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026
Everyone is doomed in Mr. Diaz’s account of European colonialism and exploratory naval history—not just the primitive Filipinos and Indonesians but the Portuguese on the mission from their silent God.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
Since then, Pax managed an exploratory visit to the kitchen counter every time he was left alone, looking for more of them.
From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker
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.
