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.
The billionaire's federal contracts range in research development, space exploration, utility and defense, particularly as space becomes more and more militarized. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 More exploration to come Whatever happened today — landing success or failure — ispace has big lunar goals. Mike Wall, Space.com, 5 June 2025 Another feature that caught our eye (and our tester's baby) is the amount of sensory exploration this center provides. Cameron Leblanc, Parents, 5 June 2025 This mini bag is compact enough for daily errands and spacious enough for city exploration or light travel. Donna Kim, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exploration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exploration. Accessed 16 Jun. 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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