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; 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.
She then spent an additional $60,000 on surveying, engineering and adding dirt to protect against flooding.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
"To understand when and why harmful microbial glycogen is produced, the team will next conduct larger studies surveying gut microbiome communities in ALS/FTD patients before and after disease onset," Burberry said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026
After surveying more than 200 authors, publishers, journalists and book club enthusiasts, we named the 101 best book club picks.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
As we talk, on occasion the screeching call of a toucan pierces the quiet, and miles above, the same giant black birds hover menacingly in groups, surveying everything below.
From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026
C. P. Ellis sat behind the wheel of his rusty Buick, parked on the shoulder of Chapel Hill Road, surveying the scene.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
