- present participle of survey.
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.
Scientists surveying underwater mountains off Costa Rica have identified a remarkable new coral that is unlike any known coral family.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
Almost 160 million Brazilians are eligible to vote in this election and, with polls typically surveying just thousands of people, the end result can differ considerably from the indications given by surveys.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026
But surveying the coverage, I can’t help but notice that their hearts just aren’t in it these days, and that your grandpa’s favorite talking heads would rather discuss, um, another hot topic.
From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2026
I’m also surveying Gen Z–ers to better understand their investing behaviors for a New American Playbook story publishing next week.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026
I notice Nico surveying the padded bench by the shoe rack and the tiny framed mirrors in the entryway.
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
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.
