inquiring

American

[in-kwahyuhr-ing] / ɪnˈkwaɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

seeking facts, information, or knowledge.

an inquiring mind.
curious; probing; inquisitive in seeking facts.

an inquiring reporter.
scrutinizing; questioning.

He looked at his father with inquiring eyes.

inquiring British

/ ɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ /

adjective

seeking or tending to seek answers, information, etc

an inquiring mind

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

inquiringly adverb
noninquiring adjective
noninquiringly adverb
uninquiring adjective

Etymology

Origin of inquiring

First recorded in 1595–1605; inquire + -ing ²

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.

Soon after, brands reached out for the first time inquiring about possibly paying her for promotional partnerships.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

This is what the inquiring mind of Hideki Kuriyama, Shohei Ohtani’s former manager, wanted to know.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Within the hour, Stabile said, he got a call from Smith, inquiring about a release plan.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

In the correspondence, Sultan asked, "Should I accept the invitation," before inquiring whether it would be possible to "shake hand with Trump".

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

“How did you die? Did someone kill you?” she asked, in much the same tone as if she were inquiring after his health.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023