research

noun
re·​search | \ ri-ˈsərch How to pronounce research (audio) , ˈrē-ˌsərch How to pronounce research (audio) \

Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : careful or diligent search
2 : 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
3 : the collecting of information about a particular subject

research

verb
researched; researching; researches

Definition of research (Entry 2 of 2)

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

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Other Words from research

Verb

researchable \ ri-​ˈsər-​chə-​bəl How to pronounce researchable (audio) , ˈrē-​ˌsər-​ \ adjective
researcher noun

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. He did a lot of research before buying his car. Verb He spent the summer researching his dissertation. Before going out to eat, she researched area restaurants. The reporter made hundreds of telephone calls while researching the story.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Hypervigilance, the state of anticipating danger, can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, research shows. Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, "National Sexual Assault Hotline sees record demand during pandemic. Many reaching out are children.," 12 July 2020 Walczak will segregate wild and hatchery progeny for a long-term research project with Oregon State University. oregonlive, "Bill Monroe: Reeling in a first-ever salmon on the Columbia River," 11 July 2020 The research, which appears in the scientific journal Current Biology, describes a 25-million-year-old, 15-foot skeleton of a dolphin, known as Ankylorhiza tiedemani comb. Fox News, "Prehistoric 15-foot dolphin acted like modern-day killer whales, researchers say," 11 July 2020 In their study, Thompson and his co-authors looked at more than 1,000 AI research papers outlining new algorithms. Will Knight, Wired, "Prepare for Artificial Intelligence to Produce Less Wizardry," 11 July 2020 Gardner is a research specialist and community college professor, said her three biggest priorities are education, infrastructure and health care. John Sharp | Jsharp@al.com, al, "A Democratic rarity in AL01: Two candidates square off in primary runoff," 11 July 2020 The statement said Grossman graduated cum laude on May 3 from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in environment and natural resources and honors research distinction in environment, economy, development and sustainability. Jennie Key, The Enquirer, "Autopsy results complete for woman who died after Columbus protest," 11 July 2020 Lyda Hill Philanthropies supports scientific and medical research, education, environmental efforts and community development. Steve Brown, Dallas News, "Landmark Pegasus tower on Stemmons Freeway will anchor new mixed-use project," 10 July 2020 Julie Washington reports there has been little research, though, as schools scramble to make plans. Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, "Ohio adds six counties to red-alert status, with mask mandate: The Wake Up for Friday, July 10, 2020," 10 July 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Before booking a stay, research the hotel’s plan to protect guests and staff. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, "10 Tips for Staying Safe in a Hotel This Summer," 11 July 2020 Smalls points to research that suggests that if a company has mostly white employees, their referrals are likely to be overwhelmingly white, perpetuating a lack of diversity at the company. Dan Kopf, Quartz, "What is statistical discrimination?," 10 July 2020 Some of the people who post on and research social media platforms say that racial biases found in algorithms contribute to the whitewashing of black content, such as skating videos. Ilana Kaplan, Washington Post, "How to get around, get exercise, get cool this summer: Roller skating," 8 July 2020 The commission was created last year to research the use of compulsory licenses as a way for the Dutch government to cope with rising prices for prescription medicines. Ed Silverman, STAT, "Did a pharma trade group try to sabotage a Dutch government report on compulsory licensing?," 7 July 2020 That means the burden falls on consumers to research the origins of products and look for brands that ethically source and produce their goods. Shalwah Evans, Essence, "That Hair You Just Bought Could Be From An Internment Camp In China," 2 July 2020 Formulated with just arnica, peppermint, and green tea extract, this is muscle recovery without any weird ingredients to research. Tessa Bahoosh, USA TODAY, "16 popular self-care products under $30," 2 July 2020 Whether your commute is a few relatively flat blocks or several miles of hilly terrain, be sure to wear a helmet and research your area's bike laws before hitting the road. Marshall Bright, refinery29.com, "The Best Commuter Bikes To Buy Online (While They’re Still In Stock)," 27 May 2020 Traditionally, the Last Week Tonight crew will research for weeks, sometimes even months, before diving into a topic. Heather Gardner, EW.com, "This week's best in late-night: John Oliver, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee on police brutality," 12 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'research.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of research

Noun

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1588, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for research

Noun

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

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Time Traveler for research

Time Traveler

The first known use of research was in 1577

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Statistics for research

Last Updated

14 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Research.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research. Accessed 24 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for research

research

noun
How to pronounce research (audio) How to pronounce research (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: careful study that is done to find and report new knowledge about something
: the activity of getting information about a subject

research

verb

English Language Learners Definition of research (Entry 2 of 2)

: to study (something) carefully
: to collect information about or for (something)

research

noun
re·​search | \ ri-ˈsərch How to pronounce research (audio) , ˈrē-ˌsərch \

Kids Definition of research

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: careful study and investigation for the purpose of discovering and explaining new knowledge

Other Words from research

researcher noun

research

verb
researched; researching

Kids Definition of research (Entry 2 of 2)

: to search or investigate thoroughly Doctors researched the disease.

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