inquiry
Americannoun
-
inquiries
plural
-
a seeking or request for truth, information, or knowledge.
- Synonyms:
- exploration, scrutiny, study
-
an investigation, as into an incident.
a Congressional inquiry into the bribery charges.
-
the act of inquiring or of seeking information by questioning; interrogation.
-
a question; query.
noun
-
a request for information; a question
-
an investigation, esp a formal one conducted into a matter of public concern by a body constituted for that purpose by a government, local authority, or other organization
Usage
What's the difference between inquiry and enquiry? Inquiry and enquiry have the same meanings: a question, an investigation, a request for information, or the process of seeking information. Enquiry is a less common variant of inquiry. Their verb forms—inquire and enquire—also mean the same thing: to ask, to seek information, or to investigate. Both inquiry and enquiry are somewhat formal, especially compared to similar terms like question or investigation. Some speakers of British English may use both words, preferring inquiry in contexts that are more formal. In the U. S., enquiry is rarely used. Here’s an example of inquiry used correctly in a sentence. Example: I forwarded you an email with an inquiry about the open position. Enquiry could be used in this sentence in the same exact way. Most of these same distinctions apply to the verbs inquire and enquire. To learn more about them, read the full breakdown of the difference between inquire and enquire.
Synonym Usage
See investigation.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of inquiry
First recorded in 1400–50; inquire + -y 3; replacing late Middle English enquery
Explanation
When you ask the guy behind the counter if they've got any aspirin, you're making an inquiry. Almost any search for information or knowledge is an inquiry, though an inquiry is often an official search. Though any question is, technically, an inquiry, that word is usually used to refer to an official or public search for the truth. For instance, after a plane crash, the government launches an inquiry into the cause. Politicians and government officials are often the ones who demand an inquiry when an important question needs to be answered, but a child can do the same thing. If your kid wants to know what's for dinner, she can make an inquiry about it. She can also just, y'know, ask.
Vocabulary lists containing inquiry
Think Like Sherlock: It's Elementary
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!
Home of the Brave
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!
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie
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.
See Examples For:
Alan Pughsley, expert to the public inquiry, has heavily criticised the lack of resources provided to Operation Northmoor and called the decision to close it "premature and inappropriate".
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
In January of last year, in the last public evidence sessions, the inquiry heard from its expert witness Alan Pughsley, former chief constable of Kent Police and experienced homicide investigator.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
Delme Williams, who investigated allegations against one SAS unit, told a public inquiry: "It was not a standard investigation where investigators were making decisions based on where the evidence led them."
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
Williams told the inquiry there were "outside forces" that seemed to him to be directing the course of the investigation.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
“I remember laughing at them,” said the Bear Stearns credit default swap salesman who took their first inquiry.
From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis
"I do recall a general feeling that inquiries were being stopped too soon and that there was no appetite... to pursue all lines of inquiry or for anyone to be referred for prosecution."
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
Only a handful of "Vos Estis Lux Mundi" - meaning "You Are the Light of the World" in Latin - inquiries have been undertaken around the world.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
SK hynix said in a statement sent to AFP it was "taking various measures to more objectively identify the characteristics of disease occurrence" and was fully cooperating with government inquiries.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 2026
James Frakes of Los Angeles downloaded Muse to field incoming Facebook Marketplace inquiries on vacant parcels of land he sells.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026
When several weeks went by with no word from Julia, Sander and I persuaded Mr. Armin to accompany us into the grimy depths of Alsatia, where we made a few inquiries.
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
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.
