research

American  

[ri-surch, ree-surch] / rɪˈsɜrtʃ, ˈri sɜrtʃ /

noun

1. diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc..

   recent research in medicine.

   Synonyms:

   study, scrutiny

2. a particular instance or piece of research.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make researches; investigate carefully.

verb (used with object)

1. to make an extensive investigation into.

   to research a matter thoroughly.

   Synonyms:

   scrutinize, examine, inquire, study

research British  

/ ˈriːsɜːtʃ, rɪˈsɜːtʃ /

noun

1. systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject

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verb

1. to carry out investigations into (a subject, problem, etc)

Related Words

See investigation.

Other Word Forms

• proresearch adjective
• researchable adjective
• researcher noun
• researchist noun
• underresearch verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of research

First recorded in 1570–80; (verb) from Middle French recercher “to seek,” Old French, equivalent to re- re- + cercher search; (noun) from Middle French recerche

Explanation

In their spare time, teenagers LOVE doing extra research, by investigating the facts of a certain subject and studying and recording what they learn. And if you believe that, you need to do more research on the habits of teenagers. Research comes from the Old French word recercher, meaning "seek out," or "search closely." When you do research, you are searching for knowledge and facts. Although you write plenty of research papers in college, on anything from the Industrial Revolution to the meaning behind a fur-lined teacup, the term is often used when talking about science, because scientists use step-by-step research to prove what is true, or not true, in their line of work.

Example Sentences

Gaugler isn’t affiliated with the Harvard research or NewDays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

But Toby Lasserson, deputy editor in chief of the Cochrane Collection, which published the research, defended the paper.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

After contract talks hit an impasse in February, Nichols reached out to Arias and Myart-Cruz to share research and strategy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Abigail Dow, an applied microeconomist and PhD candidate in economics at Boston University, underscored the correlation between childcare costs and people’s decisions to have children in a recent research paper.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

The discovery of the historic document led to further research in Europe, Brazil, and Mozambique in search of facts about the São José and its ill-fated voyage.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• analyze
• consult
• explore
• investigate
• probe
• scrutinize