- 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.
Investing in heat-countering measures has become essential to maintain the existing workforce and attract new recruits, said Yutaka Kono from Konoe, the specialist wholesaler of screws and surveying equipment where Tabuchi works.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
By surveying large regions of the sky, Roman is expected to give researchers a powerful new way to study the history and structure of the universe while also expanding our understanding of distant planetary systems.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026
Buckingham’s office is now surveying state tracts in the area and “conducting a thorough review of relevant titles and deeds to better determine the location and extent of any potential trespass,” she added.
From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2026
One more thing: For an upcoming project, I’m surveying Gen Z–ers to better understand their investing behaviors.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
In surveying, the earth was firm beneath your telescope.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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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.