exploration

noun

ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
-ˌsplȯ-
: the act or an instance of exploring
explorational adjective

Examples of exploration in a Sentence

a topic for scholarly exploration the early exploration of the West early explorations of the West
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mark that date in your calendars, as The Alters will make the early summer season even hotter with a unique twist on space exploration and space colonization games. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2025 The festival blends space exploration, music and public engagement into a vibrant celebration under the stars. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Apr. 2025 The Apollo moon missions were arguably the greatest exploration exercises in human history and women and people of color were entirely excluded from them. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 13 Apr. 2025 For most, space symbolizes bold aspirations of scientific research and exploration—not warfare. Andrew Hanna, Time, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exploration

Word History

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exploration was in 1537

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Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploration. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

exploration

noun
ex·​plo·​ra·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exploration (audio)
: the act or an instance of exploring

More from Merriam-Webster on exploration

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