query

[kweer-ee]

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.

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

/ ˈkwɪərɪ /

noun

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

2. a less common name for question mark

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of query¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of query¹

C17: from earlier quere, from Latin quaere ask!, from quaerere to seek, inquire

Example Sentences

But these are queries Seehorn has given hard thought to in recent months.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scientists simply enter a genetic sequence of interest into a search field and, within seconds or minutes depending on the query, can see where that sequence appears in global databases.

Read more on Science Daily

Seattle-based Amazon did not reply to AFP queries regarding the planned cuts reported by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and other outlets citing anonymous sources.

Read more on Barron's

Brigitte Macron's lawyer did not respond to AFP queries, and it is not known if she will be present at the hearings.

Read more on Barron's

Its user base is, in large part, replacing search-engine queries with bot conversations, which has proved immensely popular.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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