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.
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
Hastily-put-together surveying is apparently being done now in an attempt to placate the development’s detractors.
From Slate ● Sep. 8, 2026
The trust said it was partly due to the unusually hot weather but also the result of increased surveying and monitoring in the county.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
I turned on the light on the nightstand and dropped my sleeping bag on the bed, surveying the space.
From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence
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.
