query

American  

[kweer-ee] / ˈkwɪər i /

noun

plural

queries

1. a question; an inquiry.

2. mental reservation; doubt.

3. Printing. a question mark (?), especially as added on a manuscript, proof sheet, or the like, indicating doubt as to some point in the text.

4. an inquiry from a writer to an editor of a magazine, newspaper, etc., regarding the acceptability of or interest in an idea for an article, news story, or the like: usually presented in the form of a letter that outlines or describes the projected piece.

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verb (used with object)

queried, querying

1. to ask or inquire about.

   No one queried his presence.

2. to question as doubtful or obscure.

   to query a statement.

3. Printing. to mark (a manuscript, proof sheet, etc.) with a query.

4. to ask questions of.

query British  

/ ˈkwɪərɪ /

noun

1. a question, esp one expressing doubt, uncertainty, or an objection

2. a less common name for question mark

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verb

1. to express uncertainty, doubt, or an objection concerning (something)

2. to express as a query

   "What's up now?" she queried

3. to put a question to (a person); ask

Other Word Forms

• outquery verb (used with object)
• queryingly adverb
• unqueried adjective

Etymology

Origin of query

First recorded in 1625–35; alteration (with the influence of -y ³ ) of earlier quere, from Latin quaere quaere

Example Sentences

A similar query arises when the author comes to the vexed question of how, and if, a diarist’s confidential work should be preserved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

And then he interrupted a question to return to a previous query about his play calling, needing to rebut the strangers on the internet picking apart his work.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

But the most poignant and heated query at the breakfast table is: Did you get the salmon?

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

Months earlier, the account had been the subject of inquiries from the FBI, which didn’t give a reason, and the Internal Revenue Service, which said the query was related to money laundering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

She didn’t, but she had indoor plumbing and her smile was just like her name, Sweet, as she nodded her head to Milkman’s query about whether he could take a bath.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• inquiry
• objection
• question
• questioning
• reservation
• skepticism