research

1 of 2

noun

re·​search ri-ˈsərch How to pronounce research (audio) ˈrē-ˌsərch How to pronounce research (audio)
Synonyms of researchnext
1
: studious inquiry or examination
especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws
2
: the collecting of information about a particular subject
3
: careful or diligent search

research

2 of 2

verb

researched; researching; researches

transitive verb

1
: to search or investigate exhaustively
research a problem
2
: to do research for
research a book

intransitive verb

: to engage in research
researchable
ri-ˈsər-chə-bəl How to pronounce research (audio)
ˈrē-ˌsər-
adjective
researcher noun

Synonyms

Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of research in a Sentence

Noun She conducts research into the causes of Alzheimer's disease. Recent research shows that the disease is caused in part by bad nutrition. The study is an important piece of research.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The research is the result of collaboration between the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and several other organizations. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Just do your research or test in a small, inconspicuous corner before starting. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
How to get the price right To get an accurate sense of your property’s value and determine a reasonable listing price, Berner urges home sellers to research recent sales of comparable homes, and focus on properties similar in size, amenities and condition. — Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025 Then team members should research global markets where those skills are most abundant. — James Peters, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for research

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle French recerche, from recercher to go about seeking, from Old French recerchier, from re- + cerchier, sercher to search — more at search

First Known Use

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of research was in 1577

Phrases Containing research

Rhymes for research

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Browse Nearby Words

reseal
research
research and development
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Cite this Entry

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

research

1 of 2 noun
re·​search ri-ˈsərch How to pronounce research (audio) ˈrē-ˌsərch How to pronounce research (audio)
1
: careful study and investigation for the purpose of discovering and explaining new knowledge
2
: the collecting of information about a subject

research

2 of 2 verb
1
: to search or investigate thoroughly
research her options
2
: to do research for
research a book
researcher noun

More from Merriam-Webster on research

Nglish: Translation of research for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about research

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