research
Americannoun
verb
Related Words
See investigation.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of research
First recorded in 1570–80; (verb) from Middle French recercher “to seek,” Old French, equivalent to re- re- + cercher search; (noun) from Middle French recerche
Explanation
In their spare time, teenagers LOVE doing extra research, by investigating the facts of a certain subject and studying and recording what they learn. And if you believe that, you need to do more research on the habits of teenagers. Research comes from the Old French word recercher, meaning "seek out," or "search closely." When you do research, you are searching for knowledge and facts. Although you write plenty of research papers in college, on anything from the Industrial Revolution to the meaning behind a fur-lined teacup, the term is often used when talking about science, because scientists use step-by-step research to prove what is true, or not true, in their line of work.
Vocabulary lists containing research
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Journalism
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Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 9
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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.
"My job as a paleoseismologist," says Dr. Stephen Angster, a research geologist at the U.S.
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
Wedbush analyst Matt Bryson reiterated an Outperform rating and $300 target price in a research note previewing the figures.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
Fortunately, my colleague Matt Rutledge has updated earlier research to answer precisely that question.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
The research is part of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks’ mission to map fungal networks across the globe.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
And, of course, I was the queen of research and persistence.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
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.
