inquiry

noun

in·​qui·​ry in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
ˈin-ˌkwī(-ə)r-ē;
ˈin-kwə-rē How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwir-ē
plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
2
: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
3
: examination into facts or principles : research

Examples of inquiry in a Sentence

Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since. Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink. Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions … Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage. The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed. Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before. The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Recent Examples on the Web The full House voted in December to formalize the inquiry on a strictly party-line vote. Peter Baker, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 In 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan appeared on stage at the NAACP Image Awards to share the first NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award to Dr. Safiya Noble, cofounder of the UCLA center for critical internet inquiry, a renowned scholar, author and advocate. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inquiry 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inquiry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see inquire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of inquiry was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near inquiry

Cite this Entry

“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inquiry

noun
in·​qui·​ry in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē How to pronounce inquiry (audio) ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r- How to pronounce inquiry (audio)
ˈin-kwə-rē,
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwi(ə)r-ē
plural inquiries
1
a
: the act of inquiring
learn by inquiry
b
: a request for information
make inquiries at the station
2
: a search for truth or knowledge
3
: a careful examination : investigation

Legal Definition

plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to make an inquiry
2
: a systematic official investigation often of a matter of public interest especially by a body (as a legislative committee) with power to compel testimony

More from Merriam-Webster on inquiry

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