noun
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the study or practice of measuring altitudes, angles, and distances on the land surface so that they can be accurately plotted on a map
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the setting out on the ground of the positions of proposed construction or engineering works
Etymology
Origin of surveying
1425–75; late Middle English: act of examining closely; see survey, -ing 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.
They’re a reminder that she’s the filmmaker, surveying a story that belongs to others.
From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026
She then spent an additional $60,000 on surveying, engineering and adding dirt to protect against flooding.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
"To understand when and why harmful microbial glycogen is produced, the team will next conduct larger studies surveying gut microbiome communities in ALS/FTD patients before and after disease onset," Burberry said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026
Graham has been surveying chief financial officers about their expectations for their companies and the overall economy for 30 years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
“This isn’t how it works, Jinny,” said Ben, surveying the ragged cushions and the destroyed couch.
From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder
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.
